Ray, Ohio House Approve $350 Million Strategic Community Investment Fund

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today passed Substitute House Bill 2, which will allocate $350 million in one-time project funding from the Strategic Community Investment Fund, announced State Rep. Sharon Ray (R-Wadsworth). 

This one-time funding will be administered to statewide, regional, and local projects, nearly $12 million of which will directly serve Medina County and the greater northeast Ohio region. 

“There is no doubt these projects will strengthen Medina County, the northeast Ohio region, and our state as a whole,” said Ray. “Our future is bright!” 

Ray championed several local provisions that will positively impact Medina County:

• $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;
• $397.6 million for higher education projects around the state; and
• $250 million for local jail construction across Ohio.  

The Strategic Community Investment Fund was established in the state’s main operating budget passed last year and includes excess funding from the previous fiscal year. Due to conservative fiscal stewardship, the Ohio House was able to dedicate this excess toward projects that will move Ohio forward. 

This funding will be incorporated as part of the greater State Capital Budget bill, a two-year construction budget for capital projects.