Rep. Russo announces over $99 million for statewide support, including housing assistance and environmental restoration

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) announced today that the State Controlling Board approved over $55 million to the Department of Development to support housing assistance programs throughout Ohio. Funding will be used for rental assistance, housing counseling, homebuyer assistance, handicap accessibility modifications, rehabilitations, home repair and construction for low-income Ohioans.

“Ohioans across the state are facing a housing crisis and are in need of reliable, affordable housing options,” said Rep. Russo. “I am hopeful that assistance programs throughout the state will make an impact in addressing the wide range of concerns we see in our communities, from affordable rentals and handicap accessible housing, to first time home buyer assistance. 

Additionally, the Department of Natural Resources was allocated an additional $44 million from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill to continue the Division of Mineral Resource Management’s Abandoned Land Mine (AML) Program. Funding will be utilized to investigate, design and construct projects to address the environmental, public health and safety problems related to abandoned mines, such as the restoration of streams impacted by acid mine drainage. 

Other approved items include:

·         $850,000 to the Department of Health to continue providing prevention training and resources to serve youth and families at Boys & Girls Clubs across Ohio;

·         Over $700,000 to the Department of Health for continued support of COVID-19 vaccination distribution; 

·         Over $380,000 to the Ohio School for the Deaf for various grant expenditures;

·         Over $128,000 from the Department of Health to improve emergency preparedness planning for persons with disabilities;

·         $93,000 to the Ohio State School for the Blind for grant expenditures and Innovative Workforce Incentive Program grant award

·         Over $25,000 to the Department of Education to aid schools and districts in engaging at-risk youth in pathways for career technical education.