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Rep. Brennan Votes to Allocate $42,450,000 in State Funds for Economic Growth, Community Development for Cuyahoga County

February 8, 2024
Sean P. Brennan News

COLUMBUS -  State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma) yesterday announced that the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill (HB) 2, appropriating $2B of state funds for economic development and community investments that will help drive economic growth and generate opportunities across Ohio.

HB 2 includes half of the $700M from the One Time Strategic Community Investments Fund (OTSCIF), funding that was set aside in the most recent state operating budget. Rep. Brennan is excited to announce Cuyahoga County will receive $42,450,000. 

“My commitment to my constituents was to go to the Statehouse to work with both Democrats and Republicans to support policies to improve the quality of life for northeast Ohioans. I am proud beyond words to be a part of this groundbreaking bill that will truly be transformative for our region in so many ways. The jobs alone these projects will create will have an incredibly positive impact on many families of our region,” said Rep. Brennan.

The $42,450,000 of OTSCIF funds will be distributed to several local entities, including: 

  • Lakeshore Redevelopment - $20 million
  • Flats River Development - $3.5 million
  • West Side Market Renovations - $1.4 million
  • Irishtown Bend Park - $1 million
  • Hospice of the Western Reserve - $750,000

 Additionally, HB 2 includes $1.65 billion of capital budget funding for the following state entities:

  • $600 million for the Facilities Construction Commission (FCC) to provide the state share of project costs to school districts participating in facilities projects overseen by OFCC.
  • $400 million for the Public Works Commission to issue grants and loans to local governments for road and bridge projects, fresh water treatment and distribution systems, wastewater collection and treatment facilities, storm sewer systems, and solid waste disposal facilities.
  • $397.6 million 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.
  • $250 million to support the Local Jail Facility Funding Program in the Department of Rehabilitation and Correction (DRC), involving the construction and renovation of county jails.

“Funds from HB 2 will also go a long way in helping our local communities address their road, sewer, other infrastructure needs and our local schools, colleges and universities with their building challenges, among other pressing projects. As a former member of Parma City Council and schoolteacher, seeking funding for these types of projects are among my priorities in Columbus,” said Rep. Brennan.

HB 2 now heads to the Ohio Senate for further consideration. Community projects will have additional funding opportunities from the traditional capital budget and the remaining one-time funds.