Overview:
• State Rep. Cecil Thomas helped secure $100 million for Hamilton County in HB 2, a $6.2 billion state capital budget, benefiting infrastructure, universities, and local community projects.
By Cain Crouse
Legislative Aide
COLUMBUS –State Rep. Cecil Thomas (D-Cincinnati) announced the June 26 passage of House Bill (HB) 2, the state’s biennial state capital budget, in both the Ohio House of Representatives and Senate. The record-setting $6.2 billion investment makes appropriations for state-owned infrastructure, colleges, universities and school districts as well as other community projects.
In addition to the $3.51 billion in traditional capital funds and a $1.98 billion appropriation for ongoing projects, HB 2includes an additional $700 million in state funds that will be directly invested into transformative community projects designed to generate further development and economic opportunity across the state. These state funds were able to be set aside due to the influx of federal relief dollars that helped to supplement the state’s balance sheet during the most recent state operating budget.
Thomas helped secure $100 million for Hamilton County.
“Thanks to the bipartisan collaboration of the Southwest Ohio Delegation, these funds will help galvanize transformational community projects in Hamilton County,” saidThomas. “HB 2 appropriates millions of dollars to our local universities, hospitals, and entertainment venues. I am thrilled that this bipartisan legislation will contribute to improved education, health, and recreation in the Southwest region.”
The $100,000,000 of funds will be distributed to several local entities, including:
- $16,750,000 to University of Cincinnati Health
- $250,000 to Northside’s Outdoor Community Entertainment Venue
- $210,000 to Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Youth Mental Health Facility
- $200,000 to Hollywood Theatre
Additionally,HB 2 includes approximately $1.6 billion of capital budget funding for the following state entities:
- $600 million to provide funding for K-12 school classroom facility projects.
- $575 million for the Public Works Commission to issue grants and loans to local governments for road and bridge projects, freshwater treatment and distribution systems, wastewater collection and treatment facilities, storm sewer systems and solid waste disposal facilities.
- $415.7 million for state-supported higher education institutions to conduct construction of new facilities, major renovations of existing facilities or basic renovations at public universities and their regional campuses and community colleges.
HB 2 now heads to the governor’s desk for his signature.