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

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. Mike Loychik (R-Bazetta). 

The one-time Strategic Community Investment Fund includes $350 million for statewide, regional, and local projects.

“It is vital to our local economies that we continue to dedicate resources to projects that are responsible for providing safety, education, and entertainment,” said Loychik. “When we invest in the communities we live, work, and play in, everyone thrives.”

Loychik championed several provisions that will positively impact Trumbull and Ashtabula counties:

$250,000 to rejuvenate the Trumbull County Grandstand by replacing windows, repairing concreate, and upgrading lighting for fairgoers to enjoy for years to come;  
$330,350 to protect the water quality at Mosquito Lake State Park;
$345,000 to establish a new EMS building to better serve northwest Trumbull County provide storage for two advanced life support vehicles; and
$350,00 to construct a community outdoor pavilion in the heart of downtown Cortland which will host the Cortland Street Fair, food truck events bringing residents together.
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 continued conservative fiscal stewardship, the Ohio House was able to invest in projects that will move Ohio forward. 

In addition to these local investments, this legislation also includes additional 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, of which $150 million is reserved for smaller counties.