Rep. Ghanbari Champions Regional Projects, Votes in Support of Capital Budget Bill

State Representative Haraz N. Ghanbari (R-Perrysburg) voted Wednesday in support of Ohio's Capital Budget bill, a two-year capital improvements budget totaling nearly $4 billion for community projects and infrastructure needs throughout the state.

"Wood County continues to grow because we invest in the people, places, and institutions that make our communities strong," Ghanbari said. "These capital budget dollars will support law enforcement training, emergency preparedness, parks, trails, research, accessibility, and historic community spaces across District 75. I am proud to help secure these targeted investments because they will strengthen public safety, improve quality of life, and deliver long-term value for the families, students, first responders, and communities I am honored to represent."

The bill provides appropriations for state infrastructure needs, including renovations to state offices, new construction for mental health facilities, land acquisition, and equipment. The plan also includes just over $200 million for community projects, which are projects that come from outside of state agencies and have a benefit or nexus to the state.

All 88 counties will receive funding for community projects.

Rep. Ghanbari helped secure investments for the following community projects in District 75:

$700,000 to build a new Bowling Green State University Law Enforcement Training Center
$300,000 to build the Northwood Inclusive Playground
$300,000 for facility upgrades to the Grand Rapids Townhall Theater
$250,000 to extend the Bowling Green Chessie Circle Trail
$150,000 for upgrades to the Pratt Land Grant Park
$100,000 for the Bowling Green State University Joint Watershed Greenhouse and Research Lab
$100,000 for the Owens State Center of Emergency Preparedness
$100,000 to make upgrades to the Perrysburg Township Park
$100,000 to make improvements to Enright Park

"Bowling Green State University is grateful for State Representative Ghanbari's leadership and support for critical infrastructure investments and projects in this year's capital budget that will benefit Ohio's students, residents and workforce," BGSU President Rodney K. Rogers said. "With Representative Ghanbari's support, BGSU and the City of Bowling Green were able to secure collaborative funding to facilitate the creation of the Bowling Green Law Enforcement Education and Training Center, which will provide modern, standardized training to public safety professionals and students from across northwest Ohio in a centralized location. The University is also grateful for Representative Ghanbari and State Senator Theresa Gavarone's support to secure state funding for the BGSU Joint Watershed Greenhouse and Research Lab."

Beyond higher education and workforce development, the capital budget also makes strategic investments in communities across Ohio.

Through this bill, Ghanbari and his Ohio House Republican colleagues prioritized investing in Ohio's future by expanding access to education and healthcare through new facilities or upgrades to existing ones, improving parks and roadways to better connect communities, and strengthening local facilities across the state by providing necessary funding for enhancements.

In Grand Rapids, those investments will help preserve and improve a historic community gathering place.

"This is very meaningful to the community of Grand Rapids. We continue to strive to enhance public use and accessibility to our historic village hall and theater. These funds will help to ensure this building continues to be a central part of the community. We are grateful to Representative Ghanbari for the time he spent touring the building and meeting with local officials. The money appropriated will be put to good use," said Sean Thiebaut, Grand Rapids Village Council member.

The capital budget also supports outdoor recreation, conservation, and regional trail connectivity in Wood County.

"The Board of Park Commissioners of the Wood County Park District is excited to receive state funding to support the development of the Pratt Land Grant Park in Perrysburg Township. Doug and Mary Ellen Pratt set aside this great gift for the benefit of the citizens of Wood County. Thank you to Representative Ghanbari and Senator Gavarone for continuing that tradition of service to our community," said Chris Smalley, Executive Director of the Wood County Park District. "The Wood County Park District is thrilled to continue our partnership with the Wood County Port Authority on the development of the Chessie Circle Trail. We would also like to thank Representative Ghanbari and Senator Gavarone, whose support was instrumental in getting the capital funding necessary to complete Phase 2 of the trail in 2027."

Local leaders also emphasized the importance of these investments for Perrysburg Township residents and surrounding communities.

"This property is in the epicenter of many Township and City residents and provides a linkage to the expanding Chessie Circle Trail," said Perrysburg Township Trustee Robert Mack. "It was quickly embraced and acted upon by Representative Ghanbari, and this is just another example of how well we are represented in Columbus by Haraz and Senator Theresa Gavarone."

This bill now heads to the Governor for consideration.