The Ohio House of Representatives earlier this month passed Substitute House Bill 2, which will allocate $350 million in one-time project funding from the Strategic Community Investment Fund, announced State Rep. Justin Pizzulli.
These investments will be administered to statewide, regional, and local projects, nearly $3.1 million of which will directly serve Adams County and the surrounding communities.
“I am excited to champion investment into the 90th district,” said Pizzulli. “These initiatives will strengthen the greater Appalachian region for generations to come.”
Pizzulli put forth several provisions that will positively impact southeast Ohio:
$2.5 million to expand the Shawnee State University College of Health and Human Services, directly addressing the healthcare workforce crisis in the Appalachian region;
$350,000 to build the Adams County Welcome Center, boosting tourism throughout Adams County and the surrounding area; and
$200,000 to support the Adams County Community Foundation, joining efforts to enhance the quality of life in Adams County and providing scholarship opportunities to Adams County kids.
In addition to these local investments, this legislation also includes additional statewide capital investments of:
$600 million for the School Building Program Assistance Fund;
$400 million for the Public Works Commission Local Public Infrastructure and State Capital Improvement Program;
$397.6 million for higher education projects around the state; and
$250 million for local jail construction across Ohio.
The Strategic Community Investment Fund was established in the state’s main operating budget passed last year and includes excess funding from the previous fiscal year. Due to conservative fiscal stewardship, the Ohio House was able to dedicate this excess toward projects that will move Ohio forward.
The appropriation for the Adams County Community Foundation follows up on one that former Representative Brian Baldridge received for Adams County in 2021.
The Senate will appropriate their portion of capital budget projects in April. Local advocates will work to ensure that Senator Terry Johnson advocates for the Adams County projects. In addition, Senator Johnson will continue to accept capital budget requests until April 8, 2024.
This funding will be incorporated as part of the greater State Capital Budget bill, a two-year construction budget for capital projects.
