Rep. Somani Announces Passage of State Capital Budget, Securing Vital Community Investments in Franklin County
COLUMBUS - State Rep. Anita Somani (D-Dublin) today announced the passage of Senate Bill 450, the state's biennial capital appropriations budget. The bill allocates nearly $4B for the maintenance, renovation, and construction of state-owned infrastructure, including colleges, universities, school districts, and other community projects.
The capital budget is the mechanism by which the state funds its brick-and-mortar needs. This ranges from the construction and renovation of K-12 public schools and higher education facilities to public works programs and mental health treatment centers, as well as funding local community projects. It includes funding for projects that expand access to healthcare, strengthen local economies, preserve cultural institutions, improve public infrastructure, and enhance quality of life for residents across the region.
Rep. Somani helped secure $22,083,500 for Franklin County.
“I am proud to announce that millions of dollars of funding will be going to Franklin County through the Capital Budget. Non-profits, local governments, and community organizations across the county will be using these dollars to increase access to critical services, boost job growth, and improve our communities. Some of the project highlights in our county include a project to preserve a non-profit art gallery in a historic building, funding for a brand-new park in South Columbus, and funding for improvements to the arts. This is the work that the government should be focused on; making the lives of everyday Ohioans better and more vibrant through targeted investment into local communities,” said Rep. Somani.
Specifically in House District 8, $100,000 will be distributed to High Road Gallery for the renovation of the historic building in Old Worthington.
“High Road Gallery is a wonderful, local non-profit located in the historic Buttles-Pinney-Brown House in Old Worthington. This building was built in the early 1800s, was once a stop on the Underground Railroad, and is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. High Road Gallery currently uses the space to provide access to art and art education for all. These dollars will be used to ensure High Road Gallery can continue to serve the Worthington community and ensure that a historic building will be enjoyed for years to come,” said Rep. Somani.
SB 450 now heads to the governor's desk for his signature.