COLUMBUS, Ohio (WLIO) — West Central Ohio communities could receive more than $12.5 million for local projects under the Ohio Senate’s version of the state’s biennial capital budget.
The Senate approved its version of the nearly $3.7 billion capital budget on June 3. The spending plan includes $600 million for the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, $400 million for college and university projects, and more than $200 million for community projects statewide.
Among the proposed community investments are millions of dollars earmarked for projects across Allen, Auglaize, Putnam, Mercer, Hancock, Hardin and Van Wert counties.
Allen County is slated to receive the largest share of local funding, totaling $5,586,765. Major projects include $1.3 million for improvements at the Cheryl Allen Center, $1.3 million for Lima Town Square Park and $1.25 million for City of Lima park and recreation improvements. Additional funding would support renovations and enhancements at St. Rita’s Medical Center’s Adolescent Behavioral Unit, the Village of Spencerville swimming pool, Harrod Park, the Greater Lima Region Park and the Bradfield Community Center.
Allen County
St. Rita’s Medical Adolescent Behavioral Unit - $200,000
Greater Lima Region Park and Amphitheater Concession Stand 0 $100,000
Lima Schoonover Observatory Improvements - $100,000
Cheryl Allen Center Improvements - $1,300,000
Lima Town Square Park - $1,300,000
City of Lima Park and Recreation Improvements - $1,250,000
Village of Spencerville Swimming Pool Enhancement and Renovation - $900,000
Harrod Park Improvements - $250,000
Greater Lima Region Park Playground - $100,000
Bradfield Community Center - $86,765
Allen County total = $5,586,765
Auglaize County projects would receive a combined $808,000. Funding proposals include improvements at the Auglaize County Fairgrounds, Historic St. Marys Theatre, the St. Marys Veterans Foundation and Museum, Legacy Park in Cridersville, New Knoxville Community Park and Wapakoneta Veterans Memorial Park Playground.
Auglaize County
Auglaize County Fairgrounds building and Grounds Improvements - $100,000
Historic St. Marys Theatre Improvements - $100,000
St. Marys Veterans Foundation and Museum - $33,000
Village of Cridersville Legacy Park Improvements - $375,000
Village of New Knoxville Community Park Improvements - $100,000
Wapakoneta Veterans Memorial Park Playground - $100,000
Auglaize County Total = $808,000
Putnam County could receive $904,100 for projects including the Deters Park Expansion, Ottawa Memorial Park and a YMCA of Putnam County recreation project.
Putnam County
Deters Park Expansion - $362,500
Ottawa Memorial Park - $301,600
YMCA of Putnam Co. Recreation Project - $240,000
Putnam County Total = $904,100
Mercer County is set to receive $450,000, with funding designated for the Movilius Opera House Restoration, Shanes Park improvements and a playground remodel in Maria Stein.
Mercer County
Movilius Opera House Restoration - $300,000
Shanes Park Improvement - $100,000
Maria Stein Playground Remodel - $50,000
Mercer County Total = $450,000
Hancock County projects would receive $2,735,500. The largest allocation is $1.2 million for the Findlay Defense Incubator, through Bowling Green State University. Other funded projects include improvements at the Children’s Museum of Findlay, Hancock Park District pond improvements, Jenera Arlington Park, Findlay greenspace improvements, the McComb Cloe Greiner Park Amphitheater, Mt. Blanchard Community Pool, the Boy Scout Dan Beard and Boone Cabin Project and the Findlay Discovery Play Area.
Hancock County
Children’s Museum of Findlay Improvements - $50,000
Hancock Park District Pond Improvements - $300,000
Jenera Arlington Park Safety and Connectivity - $255,000
Findlay Greenspace Improvement Project - $250,000
McComb Cloe Greiner Park Amphitheater - $220,000
Mt. Blanchard Community Pool Improvements - $210,000
Boy Scout Dan Beard and Boone Cabin Project - $150,000
Findlay Discovery Play Area - $100,000
Findlay Defense Incubator – $1,200,000
Hancock County Total = $2,735,500
Hardin County is expected to receive $990,000 for the Hardin County Fairgrounds 4-H Livestock Project, rehabilitation of the Historic Ada Railroad Depot and improvements to a park in the Village of Alger.
Hardin County
Hardin County Fairgrounds 4-H Livestock Project - $750,000
Historic Ada Railroad Depot Rehabilitation - $220,000
Village of Alger Park Project - $20,000
Hardin County Total = $990,000
Van Wert County would receive $1,040,000 under the proposal. Projects include improvements to the YWCA of Van Wert County facility and clinic, the Van Wert County Research and Genealogy Center, the Van Wert Civic Theatre Project, the Convoy Opera House Roof and Annex project and the Stadium Park Shelter House.
Van Wert County
YWCA of Van Wert County Facility and Clinic - $250,000
Van Wert County Research and Genealogy Center - $400,000
Van Wert Civic Theatre Project - $100,000
Convoy Opera House Roof and Annex - $40,000
Stadium Park Shelter House – $250,000
Van Wert County Total = $1,040,000
The Ohio House must still approve its version of the capital budget before lawmakers from both chambers negotiate a final spending plan. The completed legislation will then be sent to Mike DeWine for signature before becoming law.
