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Cross Secures $16.3 Million in State Capital Budget for Community Projects

todayDecember 21, 2020 15

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COLUMBUS – State Rep. Jon Cross (R-Kenton) today announced passage of Senate Bill 310, Ohio’s proposed two-year state construction budget which includes a variety of funding initiatives across the state, as well as over $16.3 million in funding for local projects in the 83rd district.

“I’m extremely delighted to champion my district and help bring state funding to important community projects and infrastructure needs in Hancock and Hardin counties,” said Cross. “As Ohio begins the economic recovery phase, these funds will help keep our communities safer, stronger and open for business.”

Local projects in the 83rd District funded in the bill include:

.Eagle Creek Watershed Flood Mitigation, $15,000,000

.Findlay YMCA Child Development Center, $400,000

.Findlay’s 50 North-Senior Center Expansion, $500,000

.Hardin County YMCA Renovations, $164,000

.Kenton Memorial Park Golf Course Community Center, $200,000

.Kenton Municipal Pool Improvements, $20,000

.Alger Park Ballfield Backstop, $12,000

.Hardin County Museum-Burnison Barn Renovation, $64,000

Cross was one of many voices that strongly advocated for the Eagle Creek project, which will help reduce the impact of flooding to protect the surrounding areas in Hancock County. The region has been dealing with increased floods in recent decades, and these funds will assist in flood mitigation efforts.

“It’s vital for the state and region that the flood mitigation project be completed, and I’m committed to helping the project secure additional funding until the mission is complete,” added Cross.

Statewide, the bill includes more than $2 billion in new capital appropriations for a wide variety of infrastructure across Ohio. This is in addition to more than $500 million previously approved by lawmakers for schools and local infrastructure projects. Statewide highlights include:

.$452 million for the Department of Higher Education, which includes funding for traditional and regional campuses and community colleges.

.$300 million for K-12 school building construction and improvements.

.$10 million for safety grants for K-12 schools and Ohio’s colleges and universities.

.$280 million for the Ohio Public Works Commission, which supports a variety of infrastructure initiatives, including local water, sewer and road projects.

.$62.5 million for the Clean Ohio Program.

.$50 million for county jail projects. Funding will be allocated through a competitive, needs-based process.

The bill now proceeds to the Governor DeWine’s desk for his signature of approval within 10 days.

Written by: WKTN Staff

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