Rep. Isaacsohn Celebrates Allocation to Cincinnati for the Largest Single Investment as Part of $42M in One-Time State Funding for Economic Growth, Community Development in Hamilton County

Bipartisan House Bill 2 now heads to the Ohio Senate for final approval

February 7, 2024

COLUMBUS- State Rep. Dani Isaacsohn (D-Cincinnati) today announced that the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill (HB) 2, appropriating $2B of state funds for economic development and community investments that will help drive economic growth and generate opportunities across Ohio.

HB 2 includes half of the $700M from the One Time Strategic Community Investments Fund (OTSCIF) that was set aside in the most recent state operating budget. Rep. Isaacsohn is excited to announce Cincinnati and Hamilton County will receive $42M in funding.

“I am thrilled that the Ohio House voted today to provide $42 million to Hamilton County through the One Time Strategic Community Investment Fund,” said Rep. Isaacsohn. “District 24 and all of Cincinnati will be receiving one of the largest single investments from the one-time fund, not to mention one of the largest overall investments in Ohio. These are critical resources for the infrastructure, health, and long-term dynamism of our region.”

The $42M of OTSCIF funds will be distributed to several local projects, including:

$22M for the Hamilton County Convention Center District Development;
$8M for University of Cincinnati Health;
$8M for the Riverbend 2.0 project, and;
$4M for the Xavier University College of Osteopathic Medicine.

Additionally, HB 2 includes $1.65B of capital budget funding for the following state entities:

$600M for the Facilities Construction Commission (FCC) to provide the state share of project costs to school districts participating in facilities projects overseen by the FCC.
$400M for the Public Works Commission to issue grants and loans to local governments for road and bridge projects, fresh water treatment and distribution systems, wastewater collection and treatment facilities, storm sewer systems, and solid waste disposal facilities.
$397.6M for state-supported higher education institutions to conduct construction of new facilities, major renovations of existing facilities, or basic renovations at public universities and their regional campuses and community colleges.
$250M to support the Local Jail Facility Funding Program in the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC), involving the construction and renovation of county jails.

“I am grateful to have worked with the rest of the Hamilton County delegation to deliver such a meaningful win for the people. We were sent to Columbus to deliver, and I’m incredibly proud of the results today that put people first. I now urge the Senate to pass this funding through as quickly as possible,” said Rep. Isaacsohn.

HB 2 now heads to the Ohio Senate for further consideration. Community projects will have additional funding opportunities from the upcoming traditional capital budget and the remaining one-time funds.