Swearingen Champions $9.7 Million in Transformative Capital Funding

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today passed Substitute House Bill 2, the state’s two-year construction budget for capital projects throughout the state, announced State Rep. D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron).  The bill will allocate more than $4.2 billion for capital projects, including $717 million in one-time project funding from the Strategic Community Investment Fund.

Swearingen championed the following investments in local capital projects:

• $350,000 to renovate the Put-In-Bay Downtown Promenade, creating an outdoor community gathering space; and
• $500,000 to continue coastal improvements at Battery Park on Lake Erie.

“There is no doubt this funding will spur transformational change throughout the 89th House district and greater region,” said Swearingen. “I look forward to the seeing effects of these projects come to fruition.” 

Swearingen also secured a record amount of $8.85 million in one-time funding from the Strategic Community Investment Fund that will directly serve the 89th House District and the surrounding communities, including:  

• $3,000,000 to build the Landing, providing direct access to the Sandusky Bay and Lake Erie and creating a regional ecotourism destination;
• $1,250,000 to construct the Ottawa County Workforce Hub and Center for Career Advancement, uplifting northern Ohio’s workforce;
• $1,000,000 to upgrade Battery Park, improving coastal infrastructure on Lake Erie;
• $800,000 to improve water quality along Cold Creek;
• $600,000 to renovate Camp Timberlane, enhancing opportunities for exploration and education outside of the traditional classroom;  
• $450,000 for Erie and Ottawa County Fairgrounds infrastructural improvements and upgrades;
• $400,000 to protect the eastern shoreline of Kelleys Island;
• $250,000 to support the Skilled Trades Academy, providing opportunities for students to advance their skills and better serve Ohio communities;
• $202,000 to replace the current scale at the Huron County Transfer Station;
• $200,000 for Erie County Jail surveillance upgrades;
• $200,000 for a one-time renovation of the downtown Put-In-Bay Promenade;
• $200,000 to rehabilitate the Huron Boat Basin and Amphitheater, boosting tourism and creating a space for community engagement;
• $200,000 to expand the Sawmill Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant; and
• $100,000 to improve and ensure the safety of the Genoa Theatre;

In addition to these local investments, this legislation also includes additional statewide 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; and
• $397.6 million for higher education projects around the state.

The Strategic Community Investment Fund was established in the state’s main operating budget passed last year. Due to conservative fiscal stewardship, the Ohio House was able to invest these funds in projects that will move Ohio forward in addition to the traditional capital budget.

Substitute House Bill 2 now heads to the Ohio Governor for a signature.