Rep. Denson Announces Passage of Final State Capital Budget, Securing Transformative Community Investments in Hamilton County

June 26, 2024

COLUMBUS - State Rep. Sedrick Denson (D-Cincinnati) 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, colleges, universities, and school districts as well as 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. Denson helped secure $2.52M for Ohio House District 26.

“These investments will significantly enhance the quality of life for District 26 residents, drive development, and create substantial economic opportunities in our district. By supporting these essential projects, we are setting the stage for a brighter and more prosperous future for everyone in our community,” said Rep. Denson.

The $2.52M of funds will be distributed to several local entities, including:

$1.25M to Werk Road Property - Master Plan Improvement Project
$650K to Best Point West Cincinnati Early Childhood and Mental Health Center Construction
$520Kto Emery Theater Restoration
$100K to Mariemont Centennial Dogwood Park Rehabilitation

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

$600M to provide funding for K-12 school classroom facility projects overseen by OFCC.
$575M 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.
$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.

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