Ohio lawmakers OK $2.6B capital budget for many improvement projects in state

Staff/wire report

COLUMBUS

A $2.6 billion capital budget bill that funds a range of improvements to school buildings, parks, bridges and roads is headed to Ohio’s governor.

The spending plan was introduced last month after months of negotiations over the projects.

State representatives passed the bill on an 89-1 vote Wednesday. The Senate has already approved it.

About $24 million from the proposed Ohio capital budget is coming to the Mahoning Valley with $14 million of it going to Youngstown State University. Among the $14 million to YSU, $3 million is for the planned Mahoning Valley Innovation and Commercialization Center.

The center will combine the business community with YSU, Eastern Gateway Community College and area career and technical centers, providing access to high-end manufacturing technology.

The bill includes:

$650 million for repairs, renovations and maintenance at primary and secondary schools.

Over $428 million for Ohio’s 37 public 2- and 4-year colleges and universities, plus almost $56 million to the state university system.

$500 million to the Public Works Commission for local infrastructure projects, including up to $100 million to clean up brownfields, conserve green space and preserve farmland.

$160 million for economic and cultural development.