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Governor
John Kasich
Key
Assets get priority in funding proposal
Ohio’s
Renewed Fiscal Health Makes Increased Support of Local Projects
Possible
COLUMBUS
– Ohio’s 2014 Capital Budget, unveiled today by Gov. John R.
Kasich, Senate President Keith Faber and House Speaker William G.
Batchelder, includes significant new support for local communities’
construction priorities as part of an overall plan for needed
improvements to Ohio’s public facilities, including local schools,
colleges and universities, parks and prisons. Ohio’s renewed
fiscal health, strengthening economy, careful budget management and
stronger credit outlook make the key investments possible and support
further job creation and an improved quality of life for Ohioans.
The
Capital Budget is generally enacted every two years to fund the most
pressing construction and maintenance needs of state government,
schools and higher education, with priority given to improvements
that boost job creation and economic growth. Recommendations for
funding in this year’s plan came from a variety of sources,
including both metropolitan and rural communities. Funding
recommendations for Ohio’s museums, performing arts facilities and
other cultural venues were also received from leaders of Ohio’s
arts community.
Once
fully enacted, Ohio’s proposed new public construction budget will
create approximately 31,000 new jobs over the next several years from
the $2.386 billion it injects into needed repairs, maintenance and
construction of publicly owned buildings and other infrastructure at
the state and local level.
“We’ve
still got work to do, but Ohio’s definitely getting back on its
feet and because of that, and because we’ve managed our money well,
we can catch up on some needed maintenance and construction of public
facilities, including at the local level. I’m glad it’s
happening and I’m glad that so many of these requests were
developed independently by local communities based on their own needs
and priorities,” said Ohio Governor John R. Kasich.
“An
important part of attracting and retaining jobs is making sure our
communities are places where people want to live, work, and raise
their family,” said Ohio Senate President Keith Faber. “Our
strong fiscal management has given us the ability to help our
communities maintain their infrastructure and invest in important
community projects which are focused on quality of life and economic
development to grow our economy.”
“I
am proud of the good work that has been accomplished by the House,
Senate and governor through the last two state budgets, which have
helped put Ohio back on the right track,” Speaker Batchelder said.
“Because of our ability to be good stewards of the public’s
money, we are now able to make significant new investments in our
state to strengthen our ability to revitalize Ohio and create jobs. I
extend my sincere thanks to the members of the House and their local
communities for helping make this proposal possible.”
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:
http://obm.ohio.gov/SectionPages/Budget/FY1516
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