Ashtabula, Geauga County Projects Included in State Capital Budget

COLUMBUS – Ohio’s new construction budget, House Bill 687, includes funding for multiple projects in the 99th House District, announced State Representative Sarah Fowler Arthur (R-Ashtabula). 

“I’m very pleased with the attention projects in the 99th House District were given. This funding will allow the community to invest in infrastructure, education, and improving accessibility for local parks and tourism that will continue to promote the economic growth of the area.  Focus was also given to the significant needs of Ashtabula’s Homeless and Domestic Violence shelters which serve individuals throughout the county.” Said Fowler Arthur. 

Projects provided for in Ashtabula County include a handicap ramp to make Geneva Township Park more accessible, an expansion of the Samaritan House to increase sustainable housing and others: 

• $40,000 for Homesafe Domestic Violence Shelter
• $200,000 for Ashtabula Township Park Restoration
• $150,000 for North Kingsville Village - Community Park
• $450,000 for Geneva Township Park - Old Lake Road Shoreline Restoration
• $250,000 for SPIRE Institute and Academy

Funding for the projects totals nearly $2 million. 

In addition to Ashtabula County, Geauga County also received a large amount of funding to aid with local projects. The county was awarded $725,000 to fund the following: 

• $375,000 for Holbrook Hollows Park Expansion
• $250,000 for Geauga County Fairgrounds Multipurpose Event Center
• $100,000 for Village of Middlefield Parks Upgrades 

While local projects are often a focus of the state construction budget, statewide efforts were also prioritized. Efforts such as school safety and education were appropriated over $2 billion. Specific highlights include: 

• $100 million for school safety grants, which will help public and private schools address local building security needs.
• $600 million for school building construction, renovation and repair through the state’s school facilities program
• $457 million for colleges and universities 
• $400 million for the Public Works Commission to help communities with local road, bridge, water and sewer projects
• $587 million for state parks and nature preserves
• $50 million for the construction and renovation of county jails. Priority would be given to facilities with the greatest needs, as well as projects that would substantially improve the condition, safety and operational ability of the jail. 

As a former member of the State Board of Education, Fowler Arthur approved of the focus placed on schools as a statewide initiative. 

“Utilizing the available ARPA dollars and unencumbered General Revenue Funds enabled us to fund additional projects without bonding additional debt, this is a fiscally smart decision and will benefit taxpayers in the long run,” added Fowler Arthur.