Peterson, Ohio House Approve $350 Million Strategic Community Investment Fund

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today passed Substitute House Bill 2, which will invest the $350 million Strategic Community Investment Fund into projects throughout Ohio, announced State Rep. Bob Peterson (R-Sabina). 

The one-time Strategic Community Investment Fund includes historic funding for statewide, regional, and local projects. 

“We are moving Ohio forward by investing in our state and local economy,” said Peterson. “Specifically, I am excited to secure $5 million in funding to construct a welcome center at Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, Ohio’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site in Ross County. This will become a gateway to the history and scenic beauty of Southern Ohio.”

In addition to these local investments, the legislation also includes additional 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, including Southern State Community College and Ohio University; and
$250 million for local jail construction across Ohio, of which $150 million is reserved for smaller counties.
 

These investments will be incorporated as part of the greater State Capital Budget bill, a two-year construction budget for capital projects.