NW Ohio Times

The Ohio House of Representatives has approved a bill that will allocate $350 million from the Strategic Community Investment Fund for various projects. State Representative Haraz N. Ghanbari announced the news and highlighted the positive impact these funds will have on communities in Ohio.

Ghanbari expressed his enthusiasm for the future of Northwest Ohio, stating, "It was a privilege to take the lead and fight for vital projects in Wood and Lucas counties that will impact everything from the safety of our residents to visits to the Toledo Zoo for years to come."

The bill includes specific provisions that will benefit Wood and Lucas counties. Wood County will receive funding for projects such as a new County Engineer Garage and Maintenance Facility Complex, a new facility for the Wood County Educational Service Center, and renovations to the Positive Community Connections Center and Wood County Committee on Aging multipurpose areas. Downtown Perrysburg will also see improvements thanks to this funding.

Lucas County will receive significant funding for projects such as the reconstruction of the Maumee River seawall, upgrades to the Virginia Stranahan Trail, Toledo Fire and Rescue facility upgrades, and the construction of a new community and recreation center in Maumee. Other projects include the renovation of the Eugene F. Kranz Toledo Express Airport Terminal, renovations to the Toledo Zoo Reptile House, and upgrades to the Seagate Food Bank facilities.

The bill also includes statewide capital investments, including $600 million for the School Building Program Assistance Fund, $400 million for the Public Works Commission Local Public Infrastructure and State Capital Improvement Program, $397.6 million for higher education projects, and $250 million for local jail construction.

The Strategic Community Investment Fund was established in the state's previous operating budget and utilizes excess funding from the previous fiscal year. The Ohio House's conservative fiscal stewardship has allowed for the allocation of these funds towards projects that will benefit the state.

The $350 million funding will be incorporated into the State Capital Budget bill, which is a two-year construction budget for capital projects.

This funding allocation will undoubtedly bring significant improvements to communities in Wood and Lucas counties and across Ohio as a whole.