Hillyer, Ohio House Pass Strategic Community Investment Fund

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives today approved the historic Strategic Community Investment Fund, as part of Substitute House Bill 2, announced State Rep. Brett Hillyer (R-Uhrichsville). 

The Strategic Community Investment Fund includes $350 million for statewide, regional, and local projects, nearly $5 million of which will be directed toward Tuscarawas County and the surrounding communities. The fund was established under the state’s main operating budget passed in 2023 and includes excess funding from the previous fiscal year.

“I am pleased to see funding return to the 51st House district,” said Hillyer. “By investing in healthcare, public safety, infrastructure, and entertainment, we are strengthening communities and setting them up for success in the future.” 

Due to ongoing conservative fiscal stewardship, Hillyer was able to secure the following one-time funding for projects in Tuscarawas and Stark County:

•  $7 million to modernize the Pro football Hall of Fame, uplifting tourism in the greater Canton area;
• $2.5 million to renovate a number of Tuscarawas County public facilities, delivering safe and secure access to county services;
• $250,000 to rehabilitate the Norma Johnson Center, fostering opportunities for outdoor recreation and exploration;
• $250,000 to create the new Cleveland Clinic Union Hospital Cancer Center, ensuring patients receive the most appropriate care; and 
• $100,000 to construct a new burn building with the purpose of training, equipping first responders to serve their communities and increasing public safety.

Hillyer also successfully advocated for several project investments that will impact the greater northern Ohio region:

• $2.5 million to expand the Akron-Canton Airport, boosting the aviation industry in Ohio; and   
• $100,000 to rebuild the Kelleys Island East Lakeshore Shoreline, protecting the water supply of surrounding communities.

In addition to these local investments, Sub. House Bill 2 also included additional statewide capital investments of:

• $600 million for the School Building Program Assistance Fund;
• $400 million for the Public Works Commission Local Public Infrastructure and State Capital Improvement Program; 
• $397.6 million for higher education projects around the state; and
• $250 million for local jail construction across Ohio. 

These investments will be incorporated as part of the greater State Capital Budget bill, a two-year construction budget for capital projects.