Leader Russo Votes to Allocate $42M in State Funds for Economic Growth, Community Development for Franklin County

The bipartisan House Bill 2 now heads to the Ohio Senate which needs to approve the funds so they may be distributed to Ohioans

February 7, 2024

C. Allison Russo News

COLUMBUS - Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) today announced that the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill (HB) 2, appropriating $2B of state funds for economic development and community investments that will help drive economic growth and generate opportunities across Ohio.

HB 2 includes half of the $700M from the One Time Strategic Community Investments Fund (OTSCIF), funding that was set aside in the most recent state operating budget. Leader Russo is excited to announce Franklin County will receive $42M.

“Every member of the House Finance Committee worked extremely hard to ensure this one-time investment in the people and communities of Ohio met its goal of appropriating $2 billion, bringing meaningful economic growth and community development to each and every county,” said Leader Russo. “The $42 million Central Ohio is set to receive means investments in the arts, public improvements, and community safety. I look forward to the continued negotiations for the Capital Budget in the near future.”

The $42M of OTSCIF funds will be distributed to several local entities, including:

$10M - Columbus Symphony Orchestra - Music for All
$10M - Downtown Columbus Capital Line
$10M - The Ohio Center for Advanced Technologies
$8M - Heritage Trail Expansion
$1M - Downtown Security Command Center
$1M - Unverferth House Revitalization and Expansion Campaign
$600K - Knoll View Place
$500K - Elevate Northland
$500K - Heartland Music Incubator
$200K - Grandview Heights McKinley Field Park

Additionally, HB 2 includes $1.65B of capital budget funding for the following state entities:

$600M for the Facilities Construction Commission (FCC) to provide the state share of project costs to school districts participating in facilities projects overseen by OFCC.
$400M 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.
$397.6M 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.
$250M to support the Local Jail Facility Funding Program in the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC), involving the construction and renovation of county jails.

HB 2 now heads to the Ohio Senate for further consideration. Community projects will have additional funding opportunities from the traditional capital budget and the remaining one-time funds.