Portage Times

The Ohio House of Representatives passed Substitute House Bill 2 today, the state’s two-year construction budget for capital projects throughout Ohio. State Rep. Gail Pavliga (R-Portage County) announced that the bill will allocate more than $4.2 billion for capital projects, including $717 million in one-time project funding from the Strategic Community Investment Fund.

“After constantly communicating and working with state leadership, agencies, and local leaders to get a piece of this sizable community investment fund, I am extremely pleased to announce that I have brought back nearly $3.5 million to Portage County for community development,” Pavliga stated.

Pavliga secured millions in one-time funding from the Strategic Community Investment Fund that will directly serve the 72nd House District and surrounding communities. The allocations include:

- $1,500,000 for the Ravenna Health Center

- $700,000 for the Serenity House Residential Facility

- $500,000 for the Happy Trails Farm Animal Sanctuary Welcome Center

- $250,000 for Kent Safety Town

- $225,000 for Shalersville Park

- $105,000 for the Freedom Township Historical Society Historical Museum

- $51,000 for Buchert Park improvements

- $40,000 for HVAC at Portage County Children’s Advantage

- $27,950 for Windham Historical Society

In addition to these local investments, Pavliga secured further capital investments that will positively impact Portage County and the surrounding region:

- $1,000,000 for renovations at NEOMED Chiller Plant

- $274,396 to build an ADA-compliant bathroom facility with changing tables near an all-inclusive playground at Randolph Township Pavilion

- $12,700 for renovation of four township cemeteries

Substitute House Bill 2 now heads to the Ohio Governor for a signature.

For more information, contact Rep. Pavliga’s office at 614-466-2004 or Rep72@ohiohouse.gov.