Miller, Ohio House Approve $350 Million Strategic Community Investment Fund

• February 7, 2024

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today passed Substitute House Bill 2, which will invest the $350 million Strategic Community Investment Fund into projects throughout Ohio, announced State Rep. Melanie Miller (R-Ashland).

This one-time funding will be administered to statewide, regional, and local projects, with almost $1.3 million which will directly serve Ashland and Medina Counties.

“I am delighted to see these projects coming to the 67th District,” said Miller. “These investments in our community will have an impact for years to come.”

Miller championed several provisions that will positively impact Ashland and Medina Counties:

  • $1,000,000 to modernize the Ashland County Fairgrounds and build a new Mozelle Hall; and
  • $200,000 to build The Davy McClure Outdoor Education Shelter in the Ashland County Park District, creating an educational resource for the community;
  • $36,834 to install tornado sirens at the Homer Township Community Center;
  • $30,000 to renovate the Rowsburg Community Center, for residents to gather together;
  • $25,000 to expand sidewalks in Hayesville, connecting the southern portion of the village.

In addition to these local investments, Sub. House Bill 2 also included additional statewide capital investments of:

  • $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 around the state; and
  • $250 million for local jail construction across Ohio.

The Strategic Community Investment Fund was established in the state’s main operating budget passed last year and includes excess funding from the previous fiscal year. Due to conservative fiscal stewardship, the Ohio House was able to dedicate this excess toward projects that will move Ohio forward.

This funding will be incorporated as part of the greater State Capital Budget bill, a two-year construction budget for capital projects.

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State Representative Melanie Miller is currently serving her first term in the Ohio House of Representatives. She represents the 67th House District, which includes all of Ashland County and the western portion of Medina County.

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