Ray Delivers $7.3 Million in Transformative Capital Funding

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 Asst. Majority Whip Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth).  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.

Ray championed the following investments in local capital projects:

• $500,000 to construct infrastructure for the Wadsworth emergency radio system, setting first responders up for success and increasing public safety;
• $300,000 to upgrade the Wadsworth Inclusive Playground at Valleyview Elementary School, ensuring all students have a safe and accessible place to play;
• $250,000 to revitalize local parks in the Village of Seville, upgrading inclusive playground and fitness equipment and creating a walking trail;
• $250,000 to build Interpretive Center on the grounds of the McDowell-Phillips House Museum, offering unique educational opportunities outside of the traditional classroom; and
• $25,000 to update critical infrastructure at the Weymouth Preservation Society, preserving local history for generations to come.

“These investments will enhance all the Medina County has to offer,” said Ray. “I look forward to the seeing how these transformative projects will positively impact generations to come!” 

Ray also secured a record amount of nearly $6 million in one-time funding from the Strategic Community Investment Fund that will directly serve Medina County and the greater northeast Ohio region, including:  

• $2 million to repurpose a former industrial site located in Wadsworth into a state-of-the-art athletic complex and outdoor recreation area, creating a regional tourist destination;
• $1.5 million to construct community spaces on Lake Medina, enhancing the local fishing, paddle-craft and recreational amenities;
• $1 million to build a modular fire training tower, equipping first responders to better serve their communities;
• $396,000 connect pathways in the Medina County Park District, increasing accessibility to local parks and wildlife programs;
• $350,000 to add a communications tower in Seville, creating broader coverage and boosting public safety;
• $300,000 to provide elevated work platforms in jail pods and the booking station at the Medina County Sheriff’s Office Jail, ensuring the safety of employees;
• $100,000 renovate the former Medina County Achievement Center bus garage into a vocational training program for individuals with disabilities, providing career opportunities to all Ohioans; and
• $65,000 to repair the roof and gutter of the Serenite Restaurant and Culinary Institute, preserving a pillar of Medina’s Historic District and ensuring culinary students continue to advance their skills.

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.