South Ohio News

State Senator Sandra O'Brien (R-Ashtabula) announced a significant investment from the One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund (OTSCIF) to support projects aimed at benefiting local communities and residents.

"Today's investment into our communities will ensure our children, families, and neighbors all receive the critical services they need to live fruitful lives," O'Brien stated. "Incredibly, the funding from OTSCIF coming to our area is just the start of our process. I look forward to seeing how residents benefit."

Several projects in Senate District 32 have been awarded funding:

- Holy Trinity Orthodox Christian Academy and Preschool: $1 million for energy and infrastructure improvements.

- Hambden Fire Department: $2 million for constructing a new fire station.

- Cortland: $2.15 million for developing a state-of-the-art training facility and complex housing the city's fire, police, and administrative departments.

- Montville Township: $1.25 million for building a new fire station to transition to a full-time department.

The funding originates from House Bill 33, passed by the Ohio General Assembly in June 2023, which established OTSCIF as part of the state's current operating budget. The fund set aside $700 million to assist communities with projects not covered by the state's traditional Capital Budget.

Each legislative chamber developed plans for $350 million of the total amount while coordinating negotiations on OTSCIF projects. The Senate Finance Committee will begin hearings on the bill addressing OTSCIF funding immediately.

For more information on specific projects in senators' districts, visit On The Record for updates as the Capital Budget advances through the General Assembly.