Swearingen's Highlights House Bill 687

COLUMBUS – State Rep D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron) today is pleased to report that House Bill 687 has cleared the Ohio House. This legislation will provide funding to many local projects throughout both Ottawa and Erie counties.  

“The projects contained in the state capital budget represent valuable investments in communities across our state. This is especially true of the projects within the 89th District that will receive funding in the capital bill. I am confident that these projects will have a significant positive impact on the economy and quality of life for individuals throughout Erie and Ottawa counties,” said Swearingen. 

• Vermillion Main Street Beach & Harbor Access Project
  • $125,000 to construct a new ADA ramp to connect Harbor Park to the new observation deck 
• Lake Erie Shoreline Erosion Mitigation
  • $450,000 to help prevent and control erosion at the west end of Lakeside 
• Erie MetroParks Nature Center
  • $175,000 to design and build the new nature center 
• Goodwill Industries Training Center
  • $50,000 will be used to explore the addition of a training center for the facilities in Erie County 
• Kelleys Island East Lakeshore Shoreline Protection
  • $400,000 to re-establish the eastern shoreline along the southeast side if the island 
• Bowling Green State University Firelands
  • $800,000 to renovate academic buildings on the campus 
• Department of Veterans Services 
  • $385,000 to fund the replacement of resident room furnishings in the common areas of the Ohio Veteran Home in Sandusky
• Department of Natural Resources
  • $11 million to benefit the Lake Erie Islands State Park and Middle Bass Island State park 
• Port Clinton Arts Garage
  • $100,000 to connect Ottawa County communities and use arts infrastructure to create opportunities in economic development, workforce development, and artseducation.
• Portage Riverwalk Arts Infrastructure
  • $100,000 to create the infrastructure for an amphitheater for performing arts and other community events
• Historic Hoover Auditorium Renovation
  • $100,000 to improve the 2600-seat auditorium that serves as a seasonal venue for chart-topping artists, professional dancers, symphony musicians, magicians, lecturers, academics, comedians, and other entertainment, 
• Oak Harbor Riverfront
  • $275,000 to construct a 300 seat amphitheater 
• Boeckling Building Pier
  • $350,000 to rehabilitate the historic Cedar Point winter headquarters Pier 
• Sandusky State Theatre
  • $250,000 to restore the historic theatre 

The bill also includes $100 million for school safety grants, which will help public and private schools address local building security needs. 

Other highlights of the bill include: 

• $600 million for school building construction, renovation and repair through the state’s school facilities program
• $457 million for colleges and universities 
• $400 million for the Public Works Commission to help communities with local road, bridge, water and sewer projects
• $587 million for state parks and nature preserves
• $50 million for the construction and renovation of county jails. Priority would be given to facilities with the greatest needs, as well as projects that would substantially improve the condition, safety and operational ability of the jail.