Findlay Times

The Ohio House of Representatives has passed a bill that will allocate $350 million in one-time project funding from the Strategic Community Investment Fund. State Rep. Jon Cross (R-Findlay) announced that a record amount of $9.7 million will directly serve the 83rd House District and the surrounding communities.

Cross expressed his commitment to bringing funding back to his district, stating, "I will always fight to ensure dollars make their way back to the 83rd House District. I look forward to seeing the transformative effects of these projects for generations to come."

Cross championed several provisions that will positively impact Hancock, Hardin, and Logan Counties. These include $5 million for dredging at Indian Lake, $1.25 million for a new Findlay-Hancock County YMCA facility with an adjoining Early Learning Center for Excellence, and $500,000 each to modernize livestock facilities at the Hancock and Hardin County Fairgrounds.

Other projects include revitalizing Ada War Memorial Park with $500,000, expanding the ONU HealthWise Mobile Health Clinic with $500,000, purchasing a new fire pump truck with $500,000, upgrading Commercial Driver's License Training Program Facilities at the Owens State Community College Findlay Campus with $250,000, and improving the Veterans Memorial Park pump house irrigation with $200,000.

Additionally, $250,000 will be allocated to modernize facilities and connect walkways throughout the Hancock County Park District, $150,000 will be used to build new pickleball courts at Oldfield Beach on Indian Lake, $50,000 will go towards upgrading basketball and pickleball courts at the Hardin County Veterans Memorial Park, and $40,000 will be used to repair outfield and foul line fences at Agler Baseball Field.

This legislation also includes statewide capital investments such as $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, and $250 million for local jail construction across Ohio.

The Strategic Community Investment Fund, established in the state's main operating budget, utilizes excess funding from the previous fiscal year. The funding will be incorporated as part of the State Capital Budget bill, which is a two-year construction budget for capital projects.

With this funding, communities in the 83rd House District and surrounding areas will experience substantial improvements in infrastructure, healthcare access, recreational facilities, and educational institutions. These investments will have a lasting positive impact and contribute to the overall development and progress of Ohio.