Carruthers, Ohio House Passes Strategic Community Investment Fund

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today approved the historic Strategic Community Investment Fund, as part of Substitute House Bill 2, announced State Rep. Sara Carruthers (R-Hamilton). 

The one-time Strategic Community Investment Fund includes $350 million for statewide, regional, and local projects. These investments will be incorporated as part of the greater State Capital Budget bill, a two-year construction budget for capital projects.

“Butler County has always been a great place to live, work, and raise a family,” said Carruthers. “Securing these investments will ensure our future remains bright.”

Due to ongoing conservative fiscal stewardship, Carruthers was able to secure the following one-time funding for projects in Butler County:

$4.6 million to the Ohio Alliance of Boys and Girls Clubs around the state, affording additional resources to connect youth to mental health services, academic recovery, and more;
$4 million to expand the Welding Lab Program at Butler Tech, providing opportunities for students to advance their skills and better serve Ohio communities; 
$1 million to transform the 129-year-old Shuler and Benninghofen Woolen Mill into residential units, welcoming new economic opportunities by adding commercial and restaurant space; 
$1 million to upgrade the existing Riversedge Amphitheater, boosting the entertainment and tourism industries in the county;
$800,000 to construct a path; allowing students to safely travel to and from school;
$400,000 to build an apartment for survivors of domestic violence who need a safe place to live and recover; and
$225,000 to revitalize the Boys and Girls Club’s East Clubhouse and Grand Clubhouse gymnasiums that were built nearly 60 years ago.
 

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.