Pavliga, Ohio House Approve $350 Million Strategic Community Investment Fund

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today passed Substitute House Bill 2, which will allocate $350 million in one-time project funding from the Strategic Community Investment Fund, announced State Rep. Gail Pavliga (R-Portage County). 

This one-time funding will be administered to statewide, regional, and local projects, nearly $2.8 million of which will directly serve Portage County.

“Ohio’s future is very bright,” said Pavliga. “These investments in our community and its residents will help shape Portage County for years to come.” 

Pavliga championed several local provisions that will positively impact Portage County:

$1,000,000 to the Ravenna Health Center for expanding services in the Ravenna community;
$700,000 to build housing for the Serenity House Residential Facility, providing housing for vulnerable residents; 
$500,000 to construct a welcome center at the Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary, for the community to use;
$225,000 to build a new park in Shalersville, creating a community gathering place;
$125,000 to create the Kent Safety Town training facility to educate the youngest community members on safety;
$105,000 to create the Freedom Township Historical Society Museum’s display of working historical farm equipment educating visitors;  
$51,000 for improvements to Buchert Park in Mantua, to enhance the experience for community members;       
$40,000 to renovate the Children's Advantage in Ravenna and upgrade their facilities.
$27,950 to modernize the Windham Historical Society Digitization, upgrading exhibits and technology for visitors to enjoy.
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; 
$397.6 million for higher education projects around the state; and
$250 million for local jail construction across Ohio. 
 

The Strategic Community Investment Fund was established in the state’s main operating budget passed last year and includes excess funding from the previous fiscal year. Due to conservative fiscal stewardship, the Ohio House was able to dedicate this excess toward projects that will move Ohio forward. 

This funding will be incorporated as part of the greater State Capital Budget bill, a two-year construction budget for capital projects.