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Rep. Grim, Ohio House Pass Final State Capital Budget, Delivering $48.5 Million in Transformative Community Investments for Lucas County

June 26, 2024
Michele Grim News

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Michele Grim (D-Toledo) 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, public colleges and universities, and 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 transformative community projects designed to generate further development & economic opportunity across the state. These state funds were able to be set aside due to the influx of federal relief dollars that helped to supplement the state’s balance sheet during the most recent state operating budget.

Rep. Grim worked to secure $48,553,599 for Lucas County in the final capital budget, including $19,053,599 for the University of Toledo and $29,500,000 for local projects supporting economic development, human services, public safety, parks, recreation, and arts and cultural institutions.

“This bill delivers big wins for Lucas County and funds many of the local priorities I fought for,” said Rep. Grim. “These strategic investments strengthen safety-net agencies serving struggling families, support local job creation in the innovation economy, and improve quality of life by creating more cultural and recreational opportunities. As Lucas County’s only representative on the House Finance Committee, I am working with legislators from both parties to get things done for our communities.”

This funding will be distributed to a variety of community projects and organizations. A full list of projects funded is included here. Just a few of the projects funded include:

  • $3.9M to the Ability Center for their Inclusive Multigenerational Community and Recreation Center
  • $3M to the Toledo Innovation Center, a new high-tech business incubator at the former Jefferson Center
  • $2.5M to the YWCA of Northwest Ohio Domestic Violence Shelter for needed improvements

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

  • $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.
    • This includes the $19,053,599 for the University of Toledo and substantial funding for other area schools, including $18,139,967 for Bowling Green State University, $6,055,798 for Owens Community College, and $1,342,177 for Terra State Community College.
  • $575M for the Public Works Commission to issue grants and loans to local governments for road and bridge projects, freshwater treatment and distribution systems, wastewater collection and treatment facilities, storm sewer systems, and solid waste disposal facilities.
    $600M to provide funding for K-12 school classroom facility projects overseen by OFCC. 

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