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

State Representative Nick Santucci (R-Niles) voted in support of Ohio's Capital Budget bill, a two-year capital improvements budget for state and community projects throughout Ohio totaling nearly $4 billion.

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.

Last year, Trumbull County received approximately $1 million in capital budget appropriations. This year, that total increased to more than $3 million. In previous years, the Lake To River region received roughly $17 million in funding; this year, the Lake To River region successfully secured more than $20 million.

"Today's capital budget investments are a major win for Trumbull County and a reflection of what can be accomplished when local leaders, nonprofits, and community organizations work together. These funds will support projects that preserve our history, strengthen recreation opportunities, improve public safety training, expand access to the arts, and invest in the quality of life of our residents," said Santucci. "From Cortland to McDonald, Niles to Howland & Warren, these projects will leave a lasting impact on our communities. I'm grateful to Speaker Huffman and Chairman Stewart for recognizing the importance of investing in Trumbull County, and I will continue fighting to bring resources back home for the people I'm honored to represent. I encourage local governments, nonprofits, and community organizations to begin preparing now for future funding opportunities so we can continue building a strong pipeline of eligible projects for the next capital budget cycle."

Through this bill, Ohio House Republicans 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.

Rep. Santucci helped secure investments for the following community projects in Trumbull County and the 64th District:

• $200,000, Trumbull County Fairgrounds Improvements, Cortland
• $100,000, Belmont Park Cemetery Restoration, Liberty
• $27,500, Woodland Park Pickleball Court Restoration, McDonald
• $650,000, City of Niles Park Improvements, Niles
• $300,000, Waddell Park Baseball Fields, Niles
• $400,000, Akron Children's Warren Health Center Expansion, Howland
• $250,000, Mahoning River Water Trail, Warren
• $250,000, Medici Museum of Art Infrastructure Project, Howland
• $125,000, Morningside Community Park Development, Warren
• $150,000, Trumbull County Museum of Science Fiction & Fantasy Arts, Warren
• $450,000, Trumbull County Regional Fire Training Facility, Champion
• $120,000, Warren Historic Park Improvements, Warren

This legislation is now enrolled.