COLUMBUS – State Representative Don Jones, R-Freeport, announced state lawmakers have unveiled Ohio’s proposed two-year state construction budget. It includes funding for a variety of initiatives across the state and aids local projects across the 95th House District.

“In the works for over a year, the capital bill is essential to building and sustaining a strong community,” Jones said. “I was proud to work with my colleagues to secure the necessary funds to various projects in the 95th District and the rest of the state.”

Belmont County will receive a total of $1.2 million in appropriations, Carroll County $180,000, Harrison County $265,000, Noble County $400,000 and Washington County $725,000. Local projects for the 95th House District funded in the bill include the following:

∫ Sally Buffalo Park Outdoor Stage: $140,000

∫ Scio Branch of the Puskarich Public Library, Handicap Parking and Parking Improvement for Barr Community Building: $125,000

∫ Carnes Center: $500,000

∫ Barnesville Family Dental Center: $50,000

∫ Carroll Agricultural Society Show Barn: $150,000

∫ Perry Township Community Rec. Center: $30,000

∫ Noble County Fairgrounds New Swine/Hog Barn: $200,000

∫ Caldwell Ice Rink – Build an Ice Skating Rink for Community Use: $100,000

∫ Noble County Justice Center: $100,000

∫ Peoples Bank Theatre: $200,000

∫ Washington County Recreation and Support Center: $200,000

The capital bill is included in Senate Bill 310. The measure was passed by both the House and Senate last week and received the governor’s signature.

Statewide, the bill includes more than $2 billion in new capital appropriations for a wide variety of infrastructure across Ohio. This is in addition to more than $500 million previously approved by lawmakers for schools and local infrastructure projects.

Statewide highlights include the following:

∫ $452 million for the Department of Higher Education, which includes funding for traditional and regional campuses and community colleges.

∫ $300 million for K-12 school building construction and improvements.

∫ $280 million for the Ohio Public Works Commission, which supports a variety of infrastructure initiatives, including local water, sewer and road projects.

∫ $62.5 million for the Clean Ohio Program.

∫ $50 million for county jail projects. Funding will be allocated through a competitive, needs-based process.

∫ $10 million for safety grants for K-12 schools and Ohio’s colleges and universities.