West Lucas News

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives has passed Substitute House Bill 2, the state's two-year construction budget for capital projects, including the Strategic Community Investment Fund. State Representative Josh Williams (R-Sylvania Twp.) announced that this budget will make historic investments in local community projects.

The Strategic Community Investment Fund allocates $350 million for statewide, regional, and local projects, with more than $13.3 million directed toward Lucas County and surrounding communities. This fund was established under the state’s main operating budget passed in 2023 and includes excess funding from the previous fiscal year.

“With these funds we can really target areas that may have been passed up in previous capital budget years,” said Williams. “We can now transform our communities to help establish a brighter future for the next generation by improving these projects that will give back to everyone in the 41st House District.”

Williams secured funding for several projects in Lucas County:

- $4.25 million to Toledo Metroparks to establish a seawall on the banks of the Maumee River.

- $1.7 million for upgrading the Virginia Stranahan Trail and constructing a new senior housing facility in Lakewood.

- $1.6 million to renovate and repair Toledo Fire and Rescue Department facilities.

- $1 million to renovate the passenger terminal at Toledo Express Airport.

- $950,000 to revitalize Ottawa Park by building an open-air structure for the ice skating rink and a bathroom.

- $850,000 for infrastructure improvements at Toledo Zoo.

- $650,000 to Toledo Seagate Food Bank for infrastructure repairs, including a new freezer.

- $500,000 to preserve the Toledo School of Performing Arts.

- $500,000 to expand access for victims of domestic violence at Toledo YMCA Domestic Shelter.

- $485,000 for improvements at Sylvania Township Safety Training Grounds.

- $250,000 to replace windows at Toledo School for Performing Arts' original building.

- $150,000 to renovate an existing building at Lucas County Youth and Family Resiliency Center.

- $100,000 to replace the roof of Collingwood Arts Historic building.

- $100,000 to install an LED lighting system on Bons Secours Mercy Health Foundation's iconic glass city mural.

Additionally, statewide capital investments included in this legislation are:

- $600 million for the School Building Program Assistance Fund;

- $400 million for Public Works Commission Local Public Infrastructure and State Capital Improvement Program;

- $397.6 million for higher education projects across Ohio;

- $250 million for local jail construction throughout Ohio.

Substitute House Bill 2 now awaits a signature from Governor Mike DeWine.