Rep. Russo Announces Passage of State Capital Budget, Securing Vital Community Investments in Franklin County

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) yesterday announced the passage of Senate Bill (SB) 450, the state's biennial capital appropriations budget. The bill allocates nearly $4B for the maintenance, renovation, and construction of state-owned infrastructure, including colleges, universities, school districts, and other community projects.
 
The capital budget is the mechanism by which the state funds its brick-and-mortar needs. This ranges from the construction and renovation of K-12 public schools and higher education facilities to public works programs and mental health treatment centers, as well as funding local community projects. It includes funding for projects that expand access to healthcare, strengthen local economies, preserve cultural institutions, improve public infrastructure, and enhance quality of life for residents across the region.
 
Rep. Russo helped secure more than $22M for community projects in Franklin County and more than $62M for capital improvements to the Ohio State University’s main campus which is located in House District 7.  

“The capital budget is a direct reflection of the voices and values of our constituents,” said Rep. Russo. “Because many of these projects were proposed directly by members of our community, they respond directly to the everyday needs of our neighborhoods. We are doing more than pouring concrete or updating pipes; we are actively breaking down barriers to expand vital services to underrepresented populations, upgrading our facilities to be fully accessible, and ensuring that students have a direct pathway to better opportunities.”

Approximately $1.6M will be distributed to community projects within House District 7:

• $150K to the Clintonville Beechwold Community Center to expand building capacity for additional programming and services.
• $200K to the Edison Welding Institute for HVAC improvements to improve air quality and support laboratories that require stable temperature and ventilation control.
• $250K to Lower Lights for the construction of a Behavioral Health and Substance Use Recovery Center to expand access to outpatient mental health and substance use treatment in Franklin County.
• $1M to the Columbus Museum of Art to replace a failing roof and implement other modernization projects at The Pizzuti.

SB 450 now heads to the governor's desk for his signature.