Robb Blasdel, Ohio House Passes Strategic Community Investment Fund

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today approved the historic Strategic Community Investment Fund, as part of Substitute House Bill 2, announced State Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana County). 

The Strategic Community Investment Fund includes $350 million for statewide, regional, and local projects, including over $4.2 million for the 79th District. The fund was established under the state’s main operating budget passed in 2023 and includes excess funding from the previous fiscal year.

“From keeping our community safe, to investing in our facilities, and strengthening our workforce, this one-time funding will strengthen our region, and the rest of the Ohio, for generations to come,” said Robb Blasdel. “These projects are transformational to our communities.”

Due to ongoing conservative fiscal stewardship, Robb Blasdel was able to secure the following one-time funding for projects in Columbiana and Carroll Counties:

$2,900,000 for the construction of a new Columbiana County Drug Task Force building, ensuring our community is safe;         
$500,000 for construction at Seven Ranges Scout Reservation to enhance the camping experience; 
$200,000 to revitalize downtown Minerva, preparing for redevelopment into a restaurant and workspaces; 
$200,000 to prepare the Carroll County Agricultural Service Center to be utilized to by residents of Carrol County; 
$250,000 for the construction of a new fire station and EMS Facility for first responders to better serve Hanover Township and surrounding areas in Columbiana and Carroll County;  
$175,000 to restore the historic Lepper Library, ensuring that the Lisbon community can continue to enjoy the facility for years to come.
 

In addition to these local investments, the 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.
These investments will be incorporated as part of the greater State Capital Budget bill, a two-year construction budget for capital projects.