Vacationland Times

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 State Rep. D.J. Swearingen (R-Huron). The bill will allocate more than $4.2 billion for capital projects, including $717 million in one-time project funding from the Strategic Community Investment Fund.

Swearingen championed several investments in local capital projects:

- $350,000 to renovate the Put-In-Bay Downtown Promenade, creating an outdoor community gathering space.

- $500,000 to continue coastal improvements at Battery Park on Lake Erie.

“There is no doubt this funding will spur transformational change throughout the 89th House district and greater region,” said Swearingen. “I look forward to seeing the effects of these projects come to fruition.”

Swearingen also secured a record amount of $8.85 million in one-time funding from the Strategic Community Investment Fund that will directly serve the 89th House District and surrounding communities, including:

- $3,000,000 to build The Landing, providing direct access to Sandusky Bay and Lake Erie and creating a regional ecotourism destination.

- $1,250,000 to construct the Ottawa County Workforce Hub and Center for Career Advancement.

- $1,000,000 to upgrade Battery Park's coastal infrastructure on Lake Erie.

- $800,000 to improve water quality along Cold Creek.

- $600,000 to renovate Camp Timberlane.

- $450,000 for infrastructural improvements at Erie and Ottawa County Fairgrounds.

- $400,000 to protect Kelleys Island's eastern shoreline.

- $250,000 for the Skills Trades Academy.

- $202,000 to replace the scale at Huron County Transfer Station.

- $200,000 for surveillance upgrades at Erie County Jail.

- Additional funds allocated include:

- $200,000 for a renovation of downtown Put-In-Bay Promenade,

- Rehabilitation of Huron Boat Basin and Amphitheater,

- Expansion of Sawmill Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant,

- Safety improvements at Genoa Theatre.

In addition to these local investments:

- The legislation includes statewide capital investments such as:

- $600 million for School Building Program Assistance Fund,

- $400 million for Public Works Commission Local Public Infrastructure and State Capital Improvement Program,

- And approximately $397.6 million for higher education projects across Ohio.

The Strategic Community Investment Fund was established in last year’s main operating budget. Due to conservative fiscal stewardship by the Ohio House of Representatives funds were available for investment in these additional projects beyond traditional capital budgets.

Substitute House Bill 2 now heads to Governor Mike DeWine for signature.