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

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives Wednesday passed Substitute House Bill 2, which will allocate $350 million in one-time project funding from the Strategic Community Investment Fund, announced State Representative Haraz N. Ghanbari (R-Perrysburg).

This one-time funding will be administered to statewide, regional, and local projects, $15 million of which will directly serve Wood and Lucas counties and the surrounding communities.

“The future of Northwest Ohio is bright,” said Ghanbari.  “It was a privilege to take the lead and fight for vital projects in Wood and Lucas counties that will impact everything from the safety of our residents to visits to the Toledo Zoo for years to come.”

Ghanbari championed several provisions that will positively impact Wood and Lucas counties:

Wood County:

$500,000 towards building a new County Engineer Garage and Maintenance Facility Complex to help keep roads in Wood County in good condition;
$500,000 towards building a new facility for the Wood County Educational Service Center that provides support and education for students with mental, emotional, and behavior disorders in kindergarten through twelfth grade.   
$275,000 to assist in the renovation the Positive Community Connections Center, which helps with community-integrated programmatic, educational, and training setting in a safe and supportive environment; 
$250,000 towards renovations on the Wood County Committee on Aging multipurpose areas;
$165,000 towards improvements in downtown Perrysburg;
Lucas County:

$3,000,000 to reconstruct the Maumee River seawall, to protect shipping routes and spur economic development;
$1,700,000 to upgrade the Virginia Stranahan Trail and construct new senior housing to benefit community residents;
$1,600,000 for upgrades to Toledo Fire and Rescue facilities, ensuring that our communities are safe;
$1,450,000 to build a new community and recreation center in Maumee to serve residents with inclusive programs and facilities for all to enjoy;
$1,000,000 to renovate the Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport Terminal to make air travel easier to and from the region;
$850,000 for renovations at the Toledo Zoo Reptile House to provide a better experience for all visitors;
$650,000 to upgrade the Seagate Food Bank facilities to better serve the community;
$500,000 to install water filters for legacy phosphorus to manage water run-off.
$485,000 to build structures for the Sylvania Township Safety Training Center, to prepare first responders for emergency situations; 
$250,000 for the renovations to the Toledo School for the Performing Arts building;
$175,000 for the renovation of two walking paths in Ottawa Hills;
$100,000 to renovate the Lucas County Sheriff Substation, providing workspace for 37 deputies;
$100,000 to install lighting to illuminate the Glass City Mural Wall.
In addition to these local investments, this legislation 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; 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.