South Ohio News

State Senator Shane Wilkin (R-Hillsboro) has announced the allocation of millions of dollars from the One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund (OTSCIF) to support projects aimed at benefiting local communities and residents.

"These projects will truly change lives by giving our first responders the tools they need to keep us safe and investing in other critical services," Wilkin stated. "I'm excited to see these projects break ground and for the full rollout of our capital budget process. This truly is an incredible day for Southern Ohio."

The following are some of the projects awarded funding in Senate District 17:

- Jeffersonville Rattlesnake Water System Improvements, $1 million: Funds will support a new water treatment plant to improve service to Fayette County residents.

- Highland County Engineer Truck Barn, $1 million: These funds will support building a new truck barn to accommodate over 20 trucks.

- Several improvements to public safety, including:

- $175,000 for the Wayne Township Firehouse Community Shelter for a training facility and shelter during severe weather.

- $175,000 for the Union Township Fire Department for dormitory expansion and a secondary Emergency Operations Center for Ross County.

- $175,000 for the Wellston Fire Department's investment in a mobile fire behavior lab to train firefighters.

The funding comes from OTSCIF established under House Bill 33, passed by the Ohio General Assembly in June 2023. The fund set aside $700 million as an additional source of funding allowing communities and organizations to apply for help with projects that might not qualify under the state's traditional Capital Budget.

Each legislative chamber developed plans for half of this amount while coordinating negotiations on project determinations. The Senate Finance Committee will begin hearings on OTSCIF funding immediately.

Further updates on these developments can be found on On The Record as the Capital Budget advances through the General Assembly.