Jones, Ohio House Passes Strategic Community Investment Fund

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives approved the historic Strategic Community Investment Fund, Substitute House Bill 2, announced State Rep. Don Jones (R-Freeport). 

The one-time Strategic Community Investment Fund includes $350 million for statewide, regional, and local projects. The fund was established under the state’s main operating budget passed in 2023 and includes excess funding from the previous fiscal year.

“I want the people of the district to feel safe and secure where they live,” said Jones. “I am proud to secure funding for our first responders and to instill a bit of hometown pride by investing in our local county fairs.”

Due to ongoing conservative fiscal stewardship, Jones was able to secure the following one-time funding for projects:

$500,000 to establish the Tribe Athletic Complex (TAC) Track, encircling the football field, equipping the TAC Center additional handicapped parking to enhance accessibility and community engagement;
$1 million to rejuvenate the Harrison County Fair with replacements of the Grandstand, restrooms, the 4-H building, and more;
$500,000 to establish a new fire station for the Belmont Fire Department to better serve the community;
$500,000 to revitalize the Sargus Center by replacing plumbing and HVAC units and upgrading outdoor safety and security measures;
$450,000 to support the construction of a Regional Safety Center that will house a law enforcement training center, complete with educational spaces and housing for the Tappan Lake Volunteer Fire Department;
$250,000 to secure a new space for the Jewett Volunteer Fire Department to store fire and emergency equipment; and
$50,000 to purchase personal protective equipment for the fire fighters.
 

In addition to these local investments, Sub. House Bill 2 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;
$397.6 million for higher education projects around the state; and
$250 million for local jail construction across Ohio.
These investments will be incorporated as part of the greater State Capital Budget bill, a two-year construction budget for capital projects.