State Senator Bill Beagle
Capital Budget Advances Local Projects, Invests in Job Creation

COLUMBUS– State Senator Bill Beagle (R–Tipp City) today announced the 2014 Ohio Capital Budget has cleared both chambers of the General Assembly and will now be delivered to Governor John Kasich for his signature.

The bill funds needed improvements to public facilities across the state including schools, colleges and universities, and parks. The legislature generally approves a capital budget every two years in order to fund pressing construction and maintenance projects around the state.

House Bill 497 is expected to create up to 31,000 jobs over the next two years.

“I am proud to support projects in our region that have been included in the state’s Capital Budget,” said Beagle. “These projects will continue to make the Miami Valley a great place to live and raise a family and I look forward to seeing this investment make a difference in our community.”

The capital budget includes:

$675 million for local school construction, including repairs, renovations and new primary and secondary education facilities;

$454.5 million for Ohio’s 37 public colleges and universities;

$369 million for local infrastructure projects administered by the Ohio Public Works Commission, including upgrades, replacement and new construction of local roads and bridges, storm and sanitary sewers, water lines and other vital infrastructure;

$100 million for the Clean Ohio program to improve outdoor recreational opportunities and fund the preservation of open spaces and farmlands;

$574.3 million for maintenance and renovations at state-owned facilities including Ohio State Parks, state prisons, mental health facilities and other public facilities.

Details of the Capital Budget Bill can be found at: www.obm.ohio.gov/SectionPages/Budget/Capital.aspx