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Chairman Edwards Delivers More Than $14.3 Million in Transformative Capital Funding

June 26, 2024
Jay Edwards News

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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, announced Chairman of the House Finance Committee, State Rep. Jay Edwards (R-Nelsonville).  The bill will allocate more than $4.2 billion for capital projects in addition to $717 million in one-time project funding from the Strategic Community Investment Fund.

Edwards championed the following investments in local capital projects:

  • $350,000 to repair the Federal Valley Resource Center, ensuring community members have access to resources, like groceries and library books;
  • $300,000 to make improvements to the Morgan County Jail, addressing compliance issues and prioritizing the safety of jail employees and residents;
  • $260,000 to install new playground equipment at Alexander Local Schools, ensuring all children have a safe place to play;
  • $144,000 to renovate the Morgan County Historical Society, protecting community history;
  • $130,000 to refurbish the Marietta Castle Museum roof, safeguarding local history;
  • $100,000 to construct the Rome Township Community Park, providing a space for families to enjoy;
  • $100,000 to restore the Start Westward Memorial, preserving a piece of United States and local history;
  • $100,000 to build the Syracuse Doggie Park, encouraging outdoor recreation;
  • $50,000 to rehabilitate the Chesterhill Lions Club building, serving the needs of the surrounding comnmunities;  
  • $35,000 to revitalize Stuart’s Opera House, honoring a piece of local history; and
  • $30,000 to continue renovations to the Washington County Historical Society, honoring the history of the people of Washington County.

“As the Chair of the House Finance Committee, I am proud of this bill that will directly spur transformational change throughout the Appalachian Region and State of Ohio as a whole,” said Edwards. 

Edwards also secured a record amount of more than $12.8 million in one-time funding from the Strategic Community Investment Fund that will directly serve the 94thHouse District and surrounding communities, including:  

  • $2.5 million to build the Athens Regional Training Center, supporting public safety agencies in the region;
  • $2.5 million to upgrade the Ohio University Airport, promoting the aviation industry in southeast Ohio;
  • $1.5 million to transform the Village of Racine Entertainment District and Streetscape, fostering opportunities for community engagement through the entertainment industry;
  • $1.5 million to construct an additional facility at the Pennsville Volunteer Fire Department Inc., equipping first responders to best serve their communities;
  • $1 million to create the Meigs County Transportation Hub, delivering widespread transportation services and infrastructure;
  • $750,000 to support the Mid Ohio Valley Aquatic Center, uplifting athletes and promoting health and wellbeing;
  • $500,000 to support the Appalachian Center for Economic Networks Food Sector Accelerator Project, creating jobs throughout the Appalachian region;
  • $500,000 to repurpose the historic Stanberry Building into a healthcare clinic, expanding access to care and promoting community health;
  • $350,000 to build a new Decatur Township building, establishing a community meeting and event space;
  • $250,000 to renovate the Nelsonville-York Elementary School playground, ensuring the safety of students and fostering opportunities for fun;
  • $250,000 to revitalize the 1872 Hall Complex, preserving Meigs County history;
  • $250,000 to modernize the Meigs County Fairgrounds, preserving infrastructure for the enjoyment of generations to come;
  • $250,000 to design and construct the Morgan County Emergency Communications Center, linking the public to emergency services, ultimately increasing public safety and accessibility to first responders;
  • $250,000 to modernize the Morgan County Fairgrounds, preserving infrastructure for the enjoyment of generations to come;
  • $213,909 to support the Boys and Girls Club of Marietta, providing mentorship and program opportunities to students;
  • $139,731 to add a shelter and kayak launch at the City of Nelsonville Dog Park, encouraging outdoor recreation;
  • $100,000 to add sports infrastructure at the Buchtel Village Park, promoting community sportsmanship; and
  • $13,740 to repair the VFW New Matamoras Post 6387 roof, ensuring a gathering space for veterans. 

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; and
  • $397.6 million for higher education projects around the state.

The Strategic Community Investment Fund was established in the state’s main operating budget passed last year. Due to conservative fiscal stewardship, the Ohio House was able to invest these funds in projects that will move Ohio forward in addition to the traditional capital budget.

Substitute House Bill 2 now heads to the Ohio Governor for a signature.