Of $2.62 billion investment in Ohio’s Infrastructure, Meigs Would Net $125,000 in Budget

Senator Hoagland speaks on the floor of the Ohio Senate in favor of his legislation, which would provide funding for local infrastructure projects. Submitted photo.

COLUMBUS, Ohio – Of the $2.62 billion investment in Ohio’s infrastructure and local community projects, Meigs County would net a total of $125,000 in the budget.

According to a press release from State Senator Frank Hoagland (R-Mingo Junction) last week announced the introduction of the state’s Capital Budget, a $2.62 billion investment in Ohio’s infrastructure and local community projects. The total for Southeast Ohio is $2 million.

In the release, Meigs County is slated for $100,000 from the Department of Natural Resources for a Splash Pad in Racine, Ohio at Star Mill Park and $25,000 from the Department of Agriculture to the Meigs County Agricultural Society Open Class Domestic Arts Building Project.

In addition to Meigs County, other counties in Southeast Ohio also received funding. Athens, Belmont, Carroll, Harrison, Jefferson, Monroe and Washington counties all received state funding for various projects. Among others, these projects included $500,000 for the Start Westward of the United States National Monument in Marietta, symbolizing Lewis and Clark’s westward exploration, $100,000 for upgrades of the Southeast Ohio History Center in Athens and $200,000 for improvements to the Powhatan Point Marina in Belmont County. The Capital Budget also included a $24 million investment for capital improvements to Ohio University.

“Our Capital Budget places special emphasis on economic growth, improving the quality of life for our most vulnerable and increasing investments in Ohio’s rural communities,” said Senator Hoagland. “I am proud of the hard work we were able to accomplish, alongside local leaders, to invest over $2 million for the good people of Southeast Ohio.”

Senator Hoagland represents Athens (part), Belmont, Carroll, Harrison, Jefferson, Meigs, Monroe, Noble, Vinton (part), and Washington Counties. He serves on the following committees: Agriculture; Energy and Natural Resources; Local Government, Public Saftey and Veterans Affairs; and Transportation, Commerce and Workforce.

The Ohio General Assembly generally approves a capital budget every two years with the goal of funding needed improvements to public services and facilities across the state, including schools, roads and bridges, waterways and parks. The companion bills introduced in each chamber significantly increase the capital investment in mental health and addiction services facilities.

Break Down by County Around Meigs

Gallia

McIntyre Park Bike Path – $125,000
French Art Colony Renovations – $15,000
Gallipolis Railroad Freight Station Museum Restoration – $125,000
Field of Hope Prevention Center Renovation Gallipolis – 250,000
Total – $515,000

Athens

Stuart’s Opera House Renovation – $75,000
Southeast Ohio History Center Renovation Project – $100,000
Total – $175,000

Washington

Start Westward National Monument – $500,000
Little Hocking Riverfront Park Enhancements – $50,000
Muskingum Township River Road Streambank Stabilization – $100,000
Marietta Armory Revitalization- $100,000
Total – $750,000

For a full list of community projects sorted by county, click here.

STATEWIDE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE CAPITAL BILL:

$600 million will be invested in local school construction, including repairs, renovations and maintenance for primary and secondary facilities.
Over $483 million will be invested in projects supporting Ohio’s 37 public colleges and universities.
$514 million will go to local infrastructure projects through the Public Works Commission, including local roads, bridges, water-supply systems, storm sewers and wastewater systems.
This includes $100 million to support the Clean Ohio program, which funds the preservation of green space, farmland, open spaces and expanded recreational opportunities.
Over $234 million for the maintenance and preservation of Ohio’s dams, parks, trails, waterways and wildlife.
Supporting Ohioans in Need
Nearly $222 million will be invested in critical health and human services funding for youth services, developmental disabilities, mental health, addiction treatment and women’s health initiatives, over double the amount spent in the last capital budget.
This includes $20 million for new opioid community resiliency projects.
Nearly $150 million will be used for economic development and cultural projects of local and regional importance to boost growth and increase opportunities throughout the state, in addition to supporting the healthcare projects above.

The companion bills were introduced last week in the Ohio Senate as Senate Bill 266 and in the Ohio House as House Bill 529 and are available for review at www.legislature.ohio.gov.

For more information on the Capital Budget bill process, visit http://www.obm.ohio.gov/budget/capital/.