Republican Sen. Nathan Manning of North Ridgeville announced June 10 that millions of dollars will be invested from a one-time strategic community investment fund to support projects that will benefit the local community for years to come, according to a news release.
“Lorain and Huron counties are thrilled with the support they have received through this one-time fund,” Manning said in a statement. “This investment in the district will help improve community infrastructure, enhance services for residents, build and expand recreational facilities, and provide new development opportunities for numerous municipalities and organizations.”
Below is a complete list of projects that will be funded:
• Lorain County Fair, $1.5 million.
• Elyria South Boys & Girls Club, $588,481.
• Lorain County PACE site renovations, $1 million
• Nord Center Capital Improvement Project, $500,000.
• French Creek Sports Complex, $925,000.
• Lorain County Administration Building, $750,000.
• North Ridgeville Cypress Avenue project, $700,000.
• Sheffield Lake Field House Recreation Complex, $600,000.
• Black River Landing Amphitheater, $500,000
• Haven Center Emergency Shelter/Neighborhood Coalition, $500,000.
• Norwalk Theatre restoration, $1 million
• Career Guidance Services Project — Lorraine, $500,000
• Lorain County Health and Dental Facility, $375,000.
• Elyria Public Library System West River Branch, $300,000.
• Lorain County Kennel Project, $250,000.
• El Centro de Servicios Societe Facility Improvements, $200,000.
• Lorain County Good Nights Bed Building Center, $150,000.
• Colorado Avenue Side Path, Sheffield Village, $150,000.
• Carlisle Township Hall project, $100,000.
• Roof repairs to the Wellington Chapter of the Veterans of Foreign Wars, 6941, $6,000.
• Renovations to the Norwalk Public Library, $400,000.
• Renovation of Feichtner Memorial, $250,000.
Some of the projects had previously been funded under a separate House bill, the Temporary Strategic Community Investment Fund, according to the release.
The projects were funded from a unique, one-time fund established under House Bill 33, the state’s current operating budget, which was passed by the Ohio General Assembly in June 2023, according to the announcement.
The one-time Strategic Community Investment Fund set aside $700 million as an additional funding source to allow communities and organizations to apply for assistance for projects that may not qualify as part of the state’s traditional biennial capital budget, according to the announcement.
The chambers developed plans for a total of $350 million, coordinating good faith negotiations to determine projects for the one-time Strategic Community Investment Fund.
The Senate Finance Committee is set to begin hearings on the funding bill.
