House OKs construction aid for schools, communities
The Ohio House of Representatives yesterday approved spending $555 million in state construction aid to support local schools and infrastructure projects, Speaker Larry Householder announced.
The legislation, added to Senate Bill 4, authorizes the state to issue $300 million in bonds for K-12 school construction through the Facilities Construction Commission, which oversees state-assisted school projects.
The measure also authorizes the Public Works Commission to issue $225 million in bonds, including $175 million for the State Capital Improvement Program, which supports a variety of local water, wastewater, road and bridge projects.
“We’re investing in Ohio’s schools, communities and future,” said Householder (R-Glenford). “These are programs with a solid track record of delivering real results.”
Since its inception more than 20 years ago, more than $12 billion has been invested in construction, renovation and repair of more than 1,200 buildings across Ohio. Passage of Senate Bill 4 will support local schools that are planning for future construction initiatives.
The package also appropriates funding for the state’s public works loan program and the Clean Ohio Conservation Program.
Senate Bill 4 now heads back to the Senate for concurrence.
Among other measures also passed yesterday, the House gave final approval to House Bill 481, which appropriates $350 million in federal CARES Act aid to counties, municipalities and townships across the state. The funding can be used to assist local governments in Ohio with COVID-19-related expenses. The bill also reappropriates approximately $1.28 billion in state construction funding for the current biennium for a host of pending projects.
House Bill 481 now goes to Governor Mike DeWine for his signature.
Category: Government
