A bipartisan bill has passed through the Ohio House of Representatives allocating state funding for economic and community investments.

According to the release, House Bill 2 includes half of the $700 million from the One Time Strategic Community Investment Fund (OTSCIF) funding set aside in the most recent state operating budget.

House Bill 2 still needs to pass through the Ohio Senate and be signed by Governor Mike DeWine to become official.

The bill would bring more than $20 million to the Mahoning Valley for community projects.

Below is a breakdown of all the local projects that will receive funding if HB2 becomes law.

Mahoning County

  • More than $10,000,000 for projects at Youngstown State University
  • $1,500,000 to expand kennel, education, and training facilities for Animal Charity of Ohio
  • $875,000 to build the new West Branch Regional Community Education and Wellness Training Center, which will provide educational and job training programs, recreational activities, and healthcare services
  • $750,000 to construct a new facility and preserve buildings for the Mahoning Valley Historical Society
  • $660,000 to construct a new access road in the city of Campbell
  • $103,150 to construct a new splash pad at Mauthe Park, Struthers
  • $60,000 to implement a new drone program for the Canfield Police Department
  • $60,000 to renovate the War Vet Museum
  • $238,000 for the Youngstown Playhouse to support roof enhancements and repair.
  • $185,000 for Poland Village to support the Sheridan Road Multi-Use trail.
  • $100,000 for the Rich Center for Autism to support Phase 2 of the Building for Tomorrow project.
  • $93,500 for the Organizacion Civica Cultural Hispana American (OCCHA) to support the Renovado capital campaign which includes paving the parking lot, façade improvements, signing, and gathering hall flooring.

Trumbull County

  • $250,000 to rejuvenate the Trumbull County Grandstand by replacing windows, repairing concrete, and upgrading lighting
  • $330,350 to protect the water quality at Mosquito Lake State Park
  • $345,000 to establish a new EMS building to serve northwest Trumbull County and better provide storage for two advanced life support vehicles
  • $350,00 to construct a community outdoor pavilion in downtown Cortland which will host the Cortland Street Fair, food truck events

 Columbiana County

  • $2,900,000 for the construction of a new Columbiana County Drug Task Force building, ensuring our community is safe
  • $500,000 for construction at Seven Ranges Scout Reservation to enhance the camping experience
  • $250,000 for the construction of a new fire station and EMS Facility for first responders to better serve Hanover Township and surrounding areas in Columbiana and Carroll Counties
  • $175,000 to restore the historic Lepper Library
  • $300,000 to renovate the primary runway and build additional hangars at the Salem Airpark

Below are reactions from local representatives to the passage of the bill:

"From keeping our community safe, to investing in our facilities, and strengthening our workforce, this one-time funding will strengthen our region, and the rest of Ohio, for generations to come," said Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana County). "These projects are transformational to our communities."

"It is vital to our local economies that we continue to dedicate resources to projects that are responsible for providing safety, education, and entertainment," said Rep. Mike Loychik (R-Bazetta). "When we invest in the communities we live, work, and play in, everyone thrives."

"It was exciting to advocate for the more than 40 projects that came out of the Mahoning Valley. I'm really proud to have successfully secured state investment for a record amount of projects in this district in recent years," said Rep. Lauren McNally (D-Youngstown).

"My goal this general assembly was to bring back state dollars to communities throughout the state of Ohio, especially in areas of the state that are often overlooked," said Rep. Al Cutrona (R-Canfield). "Whether it is investing in tourism, public safety, health and wellness of our citizens, or helping instill community pride, this one-time funding in the Mahoning Valley especially, will strengthen the region, and the rest of Ohio, for generations to come."