Roemer Supports Millions In Capital Bill, Heads To Governor

State Rep. Bill Roemer (R–Richfield) voted to support Senate Bill 310, which passed out of both chambers of the General Assembly. The legislation is the two-year state construction budget that includes funding for a variety of initiatives across the state and aid for local projects throughout Stark and Summit Counties.

Known as the "capital bill," these additions were accepted into Senate Bill 310 earlier this week through a House-Senate conference committee.

"I am absolutely thrilled that the Ohio General Assembly will be bringing these much-needed capital dollars into our communities," said Roemer. "This bill not only will inject millions in investments to our local institutions, but will also represent shovel-ready job creation for Stark and Summit counties. In a year when unemployment has ravaged our state and institutions of all types have taken considerable financial damage, this legislation will make meaningful impacts in getting Ohioans back to work and reinforcing the central pillars of our communities."

In total, Stark and Summit Counties are set to receive a total of $13.2 million within the legislation. Specifically, project totals for Stark and Summit Counties are $6.5 and $6.7 million respectively. Some local projects funded within the bill include:

• Canal Fulton Park Phase 2, $250,000;
• Akron Zoo, $500,000;
• Heights to Hudson Trail, $250,000;
• Lake Jinelle Rehabilatation, $140,000;
• Hale Farm, $500,000;
• G.A.R. Hall ADA Accessibility, $50,000;
• Blossom Music Center Improvements, $900,000;
• Girl Scout STEM Center of Excellence at Camp Ledgewood, $100,000;
• Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad Fitzwater Train Yard Renovation, $75,000; and
• Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens Campus Imrpovements, $750,000.

Statewide, the bill commits over $2 billion in new capital appropriations for a wide variety of infrastructure across Ohio. This is in addition to more than $500 million previously approved by lawmakers for schools and local infrastructure projects.

Statewide highlights include:

• $452 million for the Department of Higher Education, which includes funding for traditional and regional campuses and community colleges;
• $300 million for K-12 school building construction and improvements;
• $10 million for safety grants for K-12 schools and Ohio's colleges and universities;
• $280 million for the Ohio Public Works Commission, which supports a variety of infrastructure initiatives, including local water, sewer and road projects;
• $62.5 million for the Clean Ohio Program; and
• $50 million for county jail projects. Funding will be allocated through a competitive, needs-based process.

After being approved by the General Assembly, the legislation now heads to the governor's desk to be signed into law.