Representative Stein And General Assembly Pass Capital Bill, Heads To Governor

Huron and Lorain Counties to receive a combined $3.5 million for local projects

December 18, 2020

State Rep. Dick Stein (R-Norwalk) voted to support Senate Bill 310, which passed out of both chambers of the General Assembly. The legislation includes the two-year state construction budget that contains funding for a variety of initiatives across the state and aid for local projects throughout Huron and Lorain Counties.

Known as the "capital bill," these additions were accepted into Senate Bill 310 earlier this week through a House-Senate conference committee.

"Capital investment is extremely important for areas across our 57th District, for the people of Huron and Lorain Counties," said Stein. "I'm happy to be a part of the process of advocating for our communities at the Statehouse on these construction and infrastructure investments, which as a result will lead growth in jobs and our economy."

In total, Huron and Lorain Counties are set to receive a combined total of $3.5 million within the legislation. Specifically, Huron and Lorain Counties will receive $377,000 and $3.1 million respectively. Local projects funded within the bill include:

Huron County:

Willard Park Playground, $60,000;
Red Cap Park Recreation Development, $50,000;
Wakeman Trail Connector, $17,000; and
Norwalk Theater Rehabilitation Project, $250,000.

Lorain County:

North Ridgeville Millcreek Conservation and Flood Control Round 3, $500,000;
Sheffield Village French Creek Project, $325,000;
Lorain County Metro Park Connector, $200,000;
Sheffield Village Trails, $200,000;
Grafton Reservoir Park Trail, $150,000;
Horizon Education Playground Improvements, $140,000;
Avon Lake Weiss Field Park Pavilion Replacement Project, $100,000;
Avon Veterans Memorial Park Expansion, $100,000;
Carlisle Twp. Veteran's Memorial, $100,000;
Lorain Pier Planning Project, $15,000;
Lorain County MARCS Tower/Sheffield Lake, $150,000;
Lorain County Community College, Lorain Arts Academy Renovations, $350,000;
Lorain County Community College, Southern Lorain Boys and Girls Club, $250,000;
Lorain County Community College Lorain County Medical and Dental Expansion, $310,000; and
Blessing House Facility, $250,000.

Statewide, the bill commits over $2 billion in new capital appropriations for a wide variety of infrastructure across Ohio. This is in addition to more than $500 million previously approved by lawmakers for schools and local infrastructure projects. Statewide highlights include:

$452 million for the Department of Higher Education, which includes funding for traditional and regional campuses and community colleges;
$300 million for K-12 school building construction and improvements;
$10 million for safety grants for K-12 schools and Ohio's colleges and universities;
$280 million for the Ohio Public Works Commission, which supports a variety of infrastructure initiatives, including local water, sewer and road projects;
$62.5 million for the Clean Ohio Program; and
$50 million for county jail projects. Funding will be allocated through a competitive, needs-based process.

After being approved by the General Assembly, the legislation now heads to the governor's desk to be signed into law.