State reps. vote to allocate millions for economic growth

State Reps. Joe Miller (D-Amherst) and Gayle Manning (R-North Ridgeville) announced Feb. 7 that the Ohio House of Representatives passed House Bill (HB) 2, appropriating $2 billion of state funds for economic development and community investments that will help drive economic growth and generate opportunities across Ohio, according to a news release.

House Bill 2 includes half of the $700 million from the One Time Strategic Community Investments Fund (OTSCIF), funding that was set aside in the most recent state operating budget.

Miller said in the release that he is excited to announce Lorain County will receive $4,300,000.

“I am proud to announce the local and statewide projects that I advocated for are getting well-needed and deserved funding,” he said. “The One Time Strategic Community Investment Fund allotments recognize the history of our great county and pushes us into the future with funding to work on some of Lorain County’s infrastructure needs.

“These key initiatives are crucial for the advancement of not only my district but the many communities in Lorain County, and I will continue to advocate to secure more funding during the Capital Budget process.”

According to the release, the $4.3 million of One Time Strategic Community Investments Funds will be distributed to several local entities, including:

• $1 million for the Lorain County Fair to provide significant upgrades and new facilities to the Fairgrounds.

• $500,000 for the Nord Center Capital Improvement Project for a structural renovation project focused on the preservation and restoration of the main building.

• $300,000 for the Lorain Hispanic Veterans Memorial that will honor and remember the names of fallen and lost Hispanic service members who died in combat operations on behalf of their country.

• $2.5 million for the Lorain County Community College Desich Entrepreneurship Center Third Floor Microelectronics Training Hub to support students in their endeavor to learn for a fast-paced and ever changing career field in microelectronics.

House Bill 2 now heads to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.

Community projects will have additional funding opportunities from the traditional capital budget and the remaining onetime funds, the release said.

Manning said in a separate news release that the Strategic Community Investment Fund includes $350 million for statewide, regional and local projects, nearly $5.6 million of which will be directed toward Lorain County and the surrounding communities.

The fund was established under the state’s main operating budget passed in 2023 and includes excess funding from the previous fiscal year.

“These investments will ensure Ohio’s future is bright with economic growth, meeting educational needs of an ever-changing workforce and continuing to provide for our most in need,” Manning said.

Due to ongoing conservative fiscal stewardship, Manning was able to secure the following one-time funding for projects in Lorain County and the surrounding communities.

Manning added that $600,000 will go to the Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio for infrastructure and security improvements and the construction of two new yurts to increase camp capacity.

In addition to these local investments, this legislation 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.

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

Gayle Manning

Joe Miller