Rep. Somani Announces Passage of Final State Capital Budget, Securing Transformative Community Investments in Franklin County

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Anita Somani (D-Dublin) today announced the passage of House Bill (HB) 2, the state's biennial state capital budget, in both the Ohio House of Representatives & Senate. The record-setting $6.2B investment makes appropriations for state-owned infrastructure, colleges, universities, and school districts as well as other community projects. 

In addition to the $3.51B in traditional capital funds and a $1.98B appropriation for ongoing projects, HB 2 includes an additional $700M in state funds that will be directly invested into transformative community projects designed to generate further development & economic opportunity across the state. These state funds were able to be set aside due to the influx of federal relief dollars that helped to supplement the state’s balance sheet during the most recent state operating budget.

Rep. Somani helped secure $100,100,000 for Franklin County.  

“With the passage of HB 2 today, we have secured millions of dollars worth of investments in projects across the state of Ohio. In Dublin and Hilliard, I helped secure funding for a multitude of projects that will support our infrastructure, facilitate the growth of businesses, improve public safety, and help connect our community to the rest of Columbus,” said Rep. Somani. 

• The over $100,000,000 of funds will be distributed to several local entities, including: 
• Over $1.2 million dollars to the Historic Dublin Riverfront Revitalization Project 
• Almost $900,000 for improvements and renovations in the Hilliard First Responders Park
• $7.5 million for the expansion of the Heritage Trail to connect it with the Olentangy Trail 
• $250,000 for updates to the Childhood League Center

Additionally, HB 2 includes approximately $1.6B of capital budget funding for the following state entities:

• $600M to provide funding for K-12 school classroom facility projects overseen by OFCC.
• $575M 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.
• $415.7M 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.

“This historic investment in our state is exactly the kind of work that the Ohio Legislature should be doing. This money will significantly improve the quality of life of Ohioans through investments in schools, public works projects, and other community initiatives,” said Rep. Somani. 

HB 2 now heads to the governor's desk for his signature.