Stewart Announces Introduction of Capital Budget Bill in Ohio House

State Representative Brian Stewart (R-Ashville), Chair of the House Finance Committee, today announced the House introduction of Ohio’s Capital Budget bill – a two-year capital improvements budget for community projects throughout the state. 

This Capital Budget plan provides nearly $3.7 billion in appropriations for state infrastructure needs, including renovations to state offices, new construction for mental health facilities, land acquisition, and equipment. The bill includes just over $200 million for community projects, which are projects that come from outside of state agencies and have a benefit or nexus to the state. 

All 88 counties will receive funding for community projects. 

“This Capital Budget is well-rounded, with support for local projects that equally prioritizes both rural and urban communities across Ohio,” said Stewart. “I’m proud to say that every single county in the state will receive funding to support critical projects and strengthen local communities.”

In addition to local projects, the bill includes statewide capital investments for the following:

• $275 million for the construction of a new behavioral health hospital in the Miami Valley, expanding access to healthcare for Southwestern Ohioans.
• $10 million for certain infrastructure projects in East Cleveland, providing needed updates to help support the community.
• $35 million for a specialty psychiatric facility supporting mental health for Ohio’s youth. This facility will be operated jointly by Nationwide Children’s Hospital and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital.
• $150 million to replace and upgrade the Columbus Developmental Center at the Department of Developmental Disabilities.
• $500 million for the state capital improvements program (SCIP) through the Ohio Public Works Commission for local infrastructure projects. This is an increase of $100 million from the last capital budget.
• $600 million for local school building assistance through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, boosting opportunities for more Ohio students to have access to education.

Through this bill, Ohio House Republicans prioritized investing in Ohio’s future by expanding access to education and healthcare through new facilities or upgrades to existing ones, improving parks and roadways to better connect communities, and strengthening local facilities across the state by providing necessary funding for enhancements. 

Once vetted through the committee process, the bill will need approval from the House and Senate before heading to the Governor.