Manning, Ohio House Pass Historic Capital Improvement Budget

COLUMBUS— The Ohio House of Representatives today passed Substitute House Bill 2, the state’s two-year construction budget for capital projects throughout the state, including the Strategic Community Investment Fund. The Capital Budget will make historic invests in local community projects, announced State Representative Gayle Manning (R-North Ridgeville).

The 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.

“Capital projects are generationally transformative and will provide enrichment for the families of the district,” Manning said. “Ohio’s fiscal responsibility has allowed the state to invest additional funds back into our districts through the Strategic Community Investment Fund and these funds will allow for projects to be completed quicker.”

Due to ongoing conservative fiscal stewardship, Manning was able to secure the following one-time funding for projects in Lorain County and the surrounding communities:

• $2.5 million to Lorain County Community College for the renovation of the Microelectronics Training Hub to help develop Ohio’s workforce; 
• $1,075,000 for the continued construction of the French Creek Sports Complex;
• $1 million to the Lorain County Fair to build a new expo center and replace three junior fair buildings and a covered outdoor arena;
• $600,000 to the Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio  for infrastructure and security improvements and the construction of two new yurts to increase camp capacity;
• $500,000 to the Nord Center for structural renovations, so the center can continue to serve the publics wellness needs. 
• $500,000 to improve Root Road Park in North Ridgeville to include drainage and stormwater management to address flooding;
• $115,000 will fund the replacement of the roof and parking lot of the Lorain County Safe Harbor
• $100,000 to fund programming at Beyond the Wall to include providing transitional housing for those seeking help to overcome addiction.

In addition to these local investments, Sub. House Bill 2 also included 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;
• $250 million for local jail construction across Ohio.

Substitute House Bill 2 awaits a signature from the Governor.