Rep. Russo announces over $813 million to support low-income housing development, improve Ohio infrastructure

July 12, 2022

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Allison Russo (D-Upper Arlington) announced today that the State Controlling Board approved over $109 million to the Department of Development to continue growing affordable housing in Ohio. Appropriations from programs such as HOME and the National Housing Trust Fund will help to increase homeownership and affordable housing opportunities for low-income Ohioans.

Additionally, the Department of Development was allocated $100 million from the American Rescue Plan’s Rental Assistance Fund to provide rental and utility payment relief and assistance to Ohioans. The appropriation will be used to fund Ohio's 47 Community Action Agencies (CAAs) and to assist customers who are struggling to pay their gas or electric bills.

“Finding affordable housing in Ohio has become increasingly difficult,” said Rep. Russo. “Using these federal dollars to inspire more investment in new affordable housing projects and help renters bridge the gap amid rising prices is an important step in addressing this critical need.”

Over $704 million was also allocated to the Department of Transportation to improve Ohio’s highways. This approved funding includes $15 million from the recently authorized federal Bipartisan Infrastructure Law for statewide planning and research, and over $689 million to continue agreements with consultants that will provide services such as environmental evaluations, design and plan preparation.

Other approved items include:

· $50 million to the Department of Natural Resources for the plugging of orphaned oil wells in the state;

· $30 million to the Department of Health to support the state and local health departments’ school COVID-19 mitigation and education efforts;

· $9.5 million to the Department of Jobs and Family Services for the development of child support tracking systems;

· Over $8 million to the Department of Taxation for the implementation of the NextGen project to modernize administration of personal and school district income tax;

· Over $5.2 million to the Department of Medicaid for the “unwinding” of public health emergency policies;

· Over $3.4 million to the Attorney General’s office (AGO) to support the upcoming August 2 primary election;

· $3 million to the Department of Development for the Ohio Third Frontier Diversity and Inclusion Technology Internship Program;

· Over $482,000 to support the COVID-19 relief literacy and language program.