Stark County Representatives, Ohio House Approve Historic Capital Budget Bill

COLUMBUS-The Ohio House of Representatives Wednesday passed Substitute House Bill 2, the state's two-year construction budget for capital projects throughout the state, announced State Reps. Scott Oelslager (R-North Canton), Jim Thomas (R-Jackson Twp.), and Reggie Stoltzfus (R-Paris Twp.). The bill will allocate more than $4.2 billion for capital projects in addition to $717 million in one-time project funding from the Strategic Community Investment Fund to be distributed throughout the state.

Oelslager, Thomas, and Stoltzfus championed the following capital investments, totaling $26.11 million, that will positively impact Stark County and the greater region:

• $9.76 million to support the Hall of Fame Village, creating a unique experience for football fans of all ages;
• $7 million to modernize the Pro Football Hall of Fame, promoting the players and the history of the gridiron;
• $3.2 million to expand the Akron-Canton Airport, boosting economic opportunities;
• $400,000 to purchase equipment for oil and natural gas job training at Stark State, providing opportunities for students to advance their skills;
• $300,000 to expand the Canton Cultural Center for the Arts, uplifting the arts in Northeast Ohio;
• $300,000 to restore the Massillon Park Stream and Pond, ensuring longevity of critical water infrastructure;
• $250,000 to renovate a portion of the Massillon Residential Addiction Recovery Campus, supporting those who are on the path to recovery from addiction;
• $250,000 to repair the Alliance Area Domestic Violence Shelter, maintaining a safe space for victims of domestic violence;
• $250,000 to revitalize the Alliance YWCA Headquarters, supporting women throughout the community;
• $250,000 to enhance the Canal Fulton Community Park, encouraging outdoor community recreation;
• $250,000 to upgrade the Legacy Park Amphitheater, boosting tourism and creating a space for community engagement;
• $250,000 to make improvements to the Canton Memorial Civic Center, uplifting the tourism and entertainment industries in Canton and the surrounding area;
• $250,000 to rehabilitate the Faircrest Park, preserving infrastructure for the enjoyment of generations to come;
• $250,000 to improve Metzger Park, fostering opportunities for community members to engage in outdoor recreation and enjoy Ohio's natural beauty;
• $250,000 to renovate the First Ladies National Historic Site, upholding Ohio and American history and highlighting the accomplishments of the nation's First Ladies;
• $250,000 to rebuild the Jackson Township Park Athletic Fields, promoting community sportsmanship;
• $250,000 to improve the Fasnacht Park, fostering opportunities for community members to engage in outdoor recreation and enjoy Ohio's natural beauty;
• $200,000 to construct a multipurpose building at Whispering Grace Horses and Freedom Farm, increasing mentorship and outreach opportunities;
• $200,000 to modernize the Canton Palace Theatre, addressing critical infrastructure needs and ensuring accessibility to all Ohioans;
• $200,000 to build the Canton EN-RICH-MENT Arts Education Center, providing opportunities for students to explore fields in the art industry;
• $180,000 to improve the Silver Park Ice Rink and Memorial Park Splash Pad, fostering opportunities for fun and enjoyment;
• $175,000 to develop the Canton Domestic Violence Shelter, maintaining a safe space for victims of domestic violence;
• $175,000 to enhance the Hartville Quail Hollow Park, encouraging outdoor community recreation;
• $150,000 to update the McKinley Presidential Museum, preserving Ohio and United States history;
• $150,000 to renovate the Canton Total Living Center, ensuring vulnerable Ohioans continue to receive critical resources such as groceries and laundry services;
• $150,000 to establish the Osnaburg Township Community Park, fostering opportunities for community members engage in outdoor recreation and enjoy Ohio's natural beauty;
• $150,000 to develop the Pegasus Farm Education and Wellness Center, prioritizing veteran health and well-being;
• $150,000 to construct a park for at-risk children as an extension of the J. Babe Stern Community Center, ensuring every Ohio child has a safe place to play and have fun;
• $100,000 to enhance the Lawrence Township Park, encouraging outdoor community recreation;
• $75,000 to renovate a portion of the Massillon Museum, honoring community history;
• $50,000 to support the Canton Museum of Art, uplifting the arts in Northeast Ohio;
• $50,000 to upgrade the Serving Area Military (SAM) Center, supporting Ohio veterans by ensuring access to critical resources;
• $30,000 to rehabilitate the Genoa One Room School, preserving a piece of community history for generations to come;
• $20,000 to rehabilitate the Jackson Township One Room School, preserving a piece of community history for generations to come;
• $15,000 to provide a sound system for Louisville Second Friday events, enhancing the experience for community members; and
• $10,000 to modernize technology and other equipment for the Jewish Community of Canton, generating efficiency in competing everyday tasks.

"Ohio is our home, and it is our responsibility to take care of our home," said Oelslager. "From workforce, to tourism, to education, to infrastructure, I am confident these investments will spur transformational change for generations to come."

"This wide array of projects will strengthen communities across Stark County," said Thomas. "Securing these investments will ensure our future remains bright."

"This funding will enhance all that Stark County has to offer," said Stoltzfus.

In addition to these local investments, this legislation also includes statewide capital investments of:

• $600 million for the School Building Program Assistance Fund;
• $400 million for the Public Works Commission Local Public Infrastructure and State Capital Improvement Program; and
• $397.6 million for higher education projects around the state.

Substitute House Bill 2 awaits a signature from the Governor.