Ohio House Passes Capital Budget Bill

COLUMBUS-The Ohio House of Representatives today passed Senate Bill 450, Ohio's Capital Budget bill - a two-year capital improvements budget for state and community projects throughout the state totaling nearly $4 billion.

This Capital Budget plan provides appropriations for state infrastructure needs, including renovations to state offices, new construction for mental health facilities, land acquisition, and equipment. The bill 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.

"The projects funded through this budget plan will benefit both rural and urban communities across the state," said Ohio House Speaker Matt Huffman (R-Lima). "I commend Chairman Stewart, Vice Chair Dovilla, and members of the House Finance Committee for their hard work and thoughtful stewardship to develop a plan that will have a transformational impact on Ohioans."

"I am proud that this Capital Budget funds the local community projects and cultural attractions that make Ohio an amazing place to live," said Representative Brian Stewart (R-Ashville), who serves as Chair of the House Finance Committee. "I am grateful to Speaker Huffman for the opportunity to bring funding from Columbus back to members' home districts to support the things that our residents are most proud of. This bill will help Ohio continue to become the best it can be."

In addition to local projects, the bill includes statewide capital investments for the following:

• $275 million for the construction of a new behavioral health hospital in the Miami Valley, expanding access to healthcare for Southwestern Ohioans.
• $10 million for certain infrastructure projects in East Cleveland, providing needed updates to help support the community.
• $35 million for a specialty psychiatric facility supporting mental health for Ohio's youth. This facility will be operated jointly by Nationwide Children's Hospital and Cincinnati Children's Hospital.
• $150 million to replace and upgrade the Columbus Developmental Center at the Department of Developmental Disabilities.
• $500 million for the state capital improvements program (SCIP) through the Ohio Public Works Commission for local infrastructure projects. This is an increase of $100 million from the last capital budget.
• $600 million for local school building assistance through the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, ensuring Ohio students have access to high-quality learning environments.

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.

The Capital Budget bill now heads to the Governor for a signature.