Rep. Jarrells Proudly Announces the Successful Passage of the Final State Capital Budget, Delivering Transformative Community Investments to Franklin County

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Dontavius Jarrells (D-Columbus) today announced the passage of House Bill (HB) 2, the state's biennial state capital budget, in both the Ohio House of Representatives & Senate. The record-setting $6.2B investment makes appropriations for state-owned infrastructure, colleges, universities, and school districts as well as other community projects. 

In addition to the $3.51B in traditional capital funds and a $1.98B appropriation for ongoing projects, HB 2 includes an additional $700M in state funds that will be directly invested into crucial community projects designed to generate further development & economic opportunities across the state. These state funds were available due to the influx of federal relief dollars that helped to supplement the state’s balance sheet during the most recent operating budget.

Rep. Jarrells worked to secure more than $64M for House District 1, and upwards of $100M in Franklin County.

“It is truly gratifying to see this funding coming into our communities,” said Rep. Jarrells. “Between the capital investments in our state’s infrastructure and schools, and the $700 million going to local community projects, there are a lot of excellent organizations who are poised to make meaningful use of these resources.”

The $64,643,000 earmarked for House District 1 will be distributed to several local entities, including:

·         The Ohio Center for Advanced Technologies

·         Columbus Symphony Orchestra

·         Downtown Columbus Capital Line

·         John Glenn International Airport Improvements

·         Downtown Security Command Center

·         Columbus Museum of Art Upgrades

·         Knoll View Place

·         National Center for Urban Solutions Facility

·         Scioto Rise Place

·         Central Presbyterian Church Renovation (CAPA)

·         Netcare Facility Improvements

·         Van Buren Center Essential Renovation

·         Franklin Park Conservatory - Wolfe Palm House and Davis Showhouse

·         St. Vincent Behavioral Health Project

·         Childhood League Center

·         Lower Lights Christian Health Center

·         PrimaryOne Health Specialty Access Project

·         JCC of Greater Columbus

·         Tawnya Salyer Memorial Statue

·         Central Ohio Fire Museum Restoration

·         Shadowbox Expansion

·         Sanctuary Night

·         Columbus Urban League Career Connect Hub

·         National Veterans Memorial and Museum Core Improvements

Additionally, HB 2 includes approximately $1.6B of capital budget funding for the following state entities:

• $600M to provide funding for K-12 school classroom facility projects overseen by OFCC.
• $575M for the Public Works Commission to issue grants and loans to local governments for road and bridge projects, fresh water treatment and distribution systems, wastewater collection and treatment facilities, storm sewer systems, and solid waste disposal facilities.
• $415.7M for state-supported higher education institutions to conduct construction of new facilities, major renovations of existing facilities, or basic renovations at public universities and their regional campuses and community colleges.

“As legislators, we are always looking for impactful ways to support our respective communities, and the state of Ohio as a whole. The funding that was passed today represents a monumental effort to help build an Ohio that we all deserve,” said Rep. Jarrells. 

HB 2 now heads to the governor's desk for his signature.