Senator Johnson announces multi-million dollar investment for critical district projects

COLUMBUS – State Senator Terry Johnson (R-McDermott) announced the investment of millions of dollars from the One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund (OTSCIF) to support meaningful projects that will benefit our local communities and residents for years to come.

"I would like to thank the countless organizations and communities that submitted a request through my office. Every project was exceptional and wholeheartedly advocated for, and I am happy for everyone receiving dollars," Johnson said. "I have no doubt all the projects awarded funds will truly make a difference in our neighborhoods and the lives of our state's best, bravest, and brightest."
 
In total, $19,455,965 has been awarded to the 14th Senate District through OTSCIF. The following are some of the projects awarded funding:

• Scioto County Safety Operations, $696,000: Funds will build out existing space at the Scioto County Sheriff's Department to combine all three 911 centers, enhancing safety and saving taxpayer dollars.

• Shawnee State College of Health and Human Services, $2.5 million: These dollars will help the University renovate and expand labs for multiple healthcare programs. This investment will help the University build capacity in these in-demand programs and graduate more healthcare professionals to address the current workforce shortage.

• Felicity Veteran's Village Housing Project, $1 million: These funds will help the Clermont Metropolitan Housing Authority serve homeless and at-risk veterans, specifically by supporting the construction of a community center with on-site clinical services.

• Bramel Mobile Home Park Water Infrastructure, $400,000: Funds will help the park replace old and deteriorating water lines to enhance reliability and water quality for residents.

• Adams County Fairground Improvements, $400,000: These dollars will be used to upgrade structures at the fairgrounds and construct a road to help visitors access a new parking area.

The funding for these projects came from the unique, one-time fund established under the state's current operating budget, House Bill 33, passed by the Ohio General Assembly in June of 2023. 

The OTSCIF set aside $700 million as an additional source of funding allowing communities and organizations to apply for help with projects that might not qualify as part of the state's traditional Capital Budget that happens every two years.

Each chamber developed a plan for $350 million of the total amount while coordinating good faith negotiations to determine projects for the OTSCIF.

The Senate Finance Committee will begin hearings on the bill addressing the OTSCIF funding immediately. The process is still ongoing, and Senator Johnson looks forward to eventual passage of the whole capital budget.

Senator Johnson represents the 14th District in the Ohio Senate, which encompasses all of Adams, Brown, Clermont and Scioto counties. 

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