South Ohio News

State Senator Shane Wilkin (R-Hillsboro) has provided an update to community partners across the 17th Senate District regarding the state's Capital Budget and the One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund. The Capital Budget Bill, passed every two years by the Ohio Legislature, aims to support local community projects and infrastructure. This year, there is an additional $700 million available for projects throughout the state, thanks to the creation of the "One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund" in House Bill 33, last year's operating budget.

Senator Wilkin has a proven track record of fighting for funding for projects in his district and plans to continue those efforts this year. In order to do so, he is encouraging community members to submit project applications to his office. Traditionally, Capital Budget funds have been allocated to projects that meet specific qualifications. However, projects awarded funding through the One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund will not be subject to the same requirements. As long as a project invests in the local community and is transformative, it will be considered for funding.

Recent confusion arose about the status of the funding process with the passage of House Bill 2 by the Ohio House last week. Senator Wilkin wants to clarify that no funding has been guaranteed for any projects through HB 2. Therefore, projects seeking funding through the Capital Budget or the One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund should submit a funding application through the Senate, even if they were allocated funds in House Bill 2. The deadline to submit applications to Senator Wilkin's office is Monday, April 8th, 2024.

For those interested in applying or seeking further information, Senator Wilkin can be reached at wilkin@ohiosenate.gov or 614-466-8156.

Senator Wilkin emphasized the importance of community involvement in the funding process, stating, "Throughout my time in the Ohio House of Representatives and the Ohio Senate, I have fought hard to obtain funding for projects in my district, and I plan to continue that work this year. In order to do so, my office needs your project applications!"

This update serves as a reminder to community partners across the 17th Senate District to take advantage of the available funding opportunities for local projects. By submitting applications, community members have the chance to make a lasting impact on their local communities.