Rep. Johnson brings over $38 million in investments to southern Ohio

COLUMBUS—Senator Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) this week announced the investment of over $38 Million into 37 projects across the 14th District. These dollars were included in Senate Bill 450, the Capital Budget Bill, which was passed by the Senate.

"I was delighted to see so many worthy projects across our 14th Senate District submitted for consideration," said Senator Johnson. "My prayers are with all who plan to use these precious funds to benefit our communities. Capital funding provides direct, close support where people will benefit most. I look forward to seeing these efforts come to fruition."

Among those awarded is Shawnee State University, which is receiving a one-time targeted investment of $28,500,000 for infrastructure improvements as part of the Small Campus Targeted Assistance Initiative. Shawnee State educates over 3,000 undergraduate and graduate students in Portsmouth, Ohio. This funding will be used to modernize their Natural Sciences Labs.

The Rush Township Veteran Memorial Project in Scioto County will also be receiving funding. Ohio is investing $121,000 to help fund the construction of a memorial in the Rush Township Cemetery, honoring the United States Armed Forces with the display of a flag from each branch. The names of local service men and women will be illuminated to honor their service to this country.

Impact Tomorrow is a holistic service hub in Clermont County which seeks to strengthen food security and access to healthcare for families across southwest Ohio. They are receiving $203,000 to install a commercial walk-in cooler/freezer, add dedicated air conditioning to the community food market, and complete the build-out of an on-site medical and dental clinic.

The other projects receiving investment as part of the Capital Budget are:

Adams County

Ellison Landing Park Improvements, $350,000
Adams County Association for DD Accessibility Project, $167,000
Adams County Heritage Museum, $150,000
Sprigg TWP Old Bentonville Community Park, $150,000
West Union Biking Path, $150,000
Adams County Fairgrounds Improvements, $50,000
Copas Cemetery Fence Replacement Project, $6,500.

Brown County

Brown County Fairgrounds Bleacher Project, $350,000
Brown County Fairgrounds Restroom Project, $300,000
Brown County Historical District Parking Lot, $150,000
Village of Mount Orab Bruce Lunsford Park Inclusive Playground, $150,000
Brown County Court House Facility Improvements, $100,000
Colonel Higgins Pickleball Court Project, $50,000
Kathryn Hanlon Park Tennis Court Project, $50,000.

Clermont County

Clermont County Fairgrounds Community Cattle and Show Pavilion, $600,000
Cincinnati Nature Center Parking Lot Improvements, $500,000
Felicity Apartments Housing Project, $200,000
Batavia Township Park Improvements, $150,000
Loveland Nisbet Park Playground, $150,000
Historic Milford Promont Museum Preservation Project, $100,000
Miami Township Community Park Playground, $100,000
Milford Pickleball Courts, $100,000
Veterans Village Clubhouse, $100,000
Village of New Richmond Building Restoration Project, $100,000
Clingman Mountain Bike Skills Loop, $75,000
Bethel Historical Museum HVAC, $66,000
Franklin Township Community Park (Farmer Barger) Improvements, $50,000
Community Park Disc Golf Course Improvements, $15,000
Anchorage House Museum Improvements, $10,000.

Scioto County

Market Square Park Improvements, $250,000
City Hall Events Center and Museum Project, $200,000
Scioto County Heritage Museum Renovation, $152,000
Madison Township Community Park Improvements, $100,000
Scioto Country Fairgrounds Building Renovations, $100,000.

The legislature generally passes a Capital Budget every two years, funding improvements to public services and facilities across the state, including schools, infrastructure, and mental health and addiction facilities. Senate Bill 450 includes:   

$645 Million for the Public Works Commission
$611 Million for the School Facilities Commission
$425 Million for Higher Education Institutions
$385 Million for the Department of Behavioral Health
$265 Million for the Department of Natural Resources.

The Capital Budget now heads to the Ohio House for further consideration.

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