Rep. David Thomas Announces Capital Budget Projects for the 65th District

COLUMBUS, Ohio - State Representative David Thomas (R-Jefferson) today announced provisions in Ohio's Capital Budget bill, a two-year capital improvements budget for community projects throughout the state totaling nearly $4 billion.

The bill provides appropriations for state infrastructure needs, including renovations to state offices, new construction for mental health facilities, land acquisition, and equipment. The plan also includes just over $200 million for community projects, which are projects that come from outside of state agencies and have a benefit or nexus to the state.

All 88 counties are set to receive funding for community projects through the bill.

Rep. Thomas announced investments for the following community projects in District 65 through the bill:

• $400,000, Akron Children's Warren Health Center Expansion, Trumbull County
• $200,000, Trumbull County Fairgrounds Improvements, Trumbull County
• $100,000, Belmont Park Cemetery Restoration Project, Trumbull County
• $300,000, Elevator Modernizations for Ashtabula Regional Medical Center, Ashtabula County
• $196,250, Geneva Recreation Center Upgrades, Ashtabula County
• $400,000, Ohio Soccer Association State Development Fields at SPIRE, Ashtabula County
• $400,000, Ashtabula County Animal Shelter Facility, Ashtabula County
• $200,000, Ashtabula County Metroparks Pymatuning Valley Greenway Trail, Ashtabula County
• $400,000, Domestic Violence/Human Trafficking Shelter, Ashtabula County
• $200,000, Youngstown Area Jewish Federation Food Service Expansion, Mahoning Valley
• $750,000, Youngstown Innovation Hub for Aerospace and Defense, Mahoning Valley
  

"These investments are not funded through taxes on Ohio families. Instead, they represent a responsible use of available state resources through voted bonds that are directed toward projects that will benefit the largest number of residents and invest in our communities," said Rep. Thomas.

"Throughout this process, Representatives Santucci and Sarah Fowler Arthur along with Senator O'Brien and I have collaborated with eligible recipients to address needs and challenges that would ensure our constituents and taxpayers are being served. I was also pleased to partner with our hospitals as rural healthcare access has been a big topic for the 65th district. These dollars and projects represent tax savings at the local level or investments that will save taxpayers money in the future. "

Through this bill, Ohio House Republicans prioritized investing in Ohio's future by expanding access to education and healthcare through new facilities or upgrades to existing ones, improving parks and roadways to better connect communities, and strengthening local facilities across the state by providing necessary funding for enhancements.

The bill passed the Ohio Senate this week and now awaits consideration in the Ohio House.