Dayton-area investments key to creating jobs, growing economy, says Rep. Strahorn

House Minority Leader Fred Strahorn (D-Dayton) today reported the passage of House Bill (HB) 529, the state’s $2.6 billion biennial capital budget. The capital budget is primarily used to invest in the upkeep of state facilities, colleges and university campuses, and state lands, but also includes a number of community projects.

HB 529 invests more than $480 million for technology and facility upgrades at Ohio’s colleges and universities, allowing them to retool to meet the demands of 21st century higher education and job training. Sinclair Community College will receive $10.33 million for campus renovations and upgrades.

“A competitive workforce begins with educating our students and training workers with the skills they need in this new and changing economy,” said Strahorn. “For years, Sinclair has been a leader in education and job training in Southwest Ohio, and these investments will allow the next generation of students, business leaders and entrepreneurs to make an impact in their communities.”

In addition to more than $1 billion in statewide funding for K-12 and higher education capital projects, HB 529 invests $350 million in statewide infrastructure projects through the Public Works Commission and $147 million throughout the state in local community projects.

“Whether it’s rebuilding crumbling roads and bridges or upgrading our cultural centers, investing in Ohio communities makes us more competitive, creating jobs and spurring growth in our local and regional economies,” added Strahorn. “Projects like the Arcade Innovation Hub are changing the game, using the tremendous community resources we already have right here in Southwest Ohio, including our universities and business leaders, to encourage entrepreneurs and students to take their ideas to the next level.”

Notable Montgomery County community projects funded under HB 529 include:

Historic YWCA Dayton Building Renovation project     $725,000

Gem City Market project                                              $200,000

Dayton Hope Center for Families                                  $725,000

Dayton Webster Station Landing project                        $200,000

Dayton Arcade Innovation Hub project                          $1 million

Victoria Theater Arts Annex project                              $350,000

Wright Factory Unit, Dayton                                         $175,000

“While we fought hard to include many of these community projects in this budget, a number of important projects did not receive funding as we had hoped,” noted Strahorn. “I will continue to work with these groups, organizations and local governments to find funding alternatives.”

A complete list of funded projects can be found here.

With its passage from the Senate, the bill goes to the governor to be signed into law.