Lake County Times

The Ohio House Finance Committee has initiated hearings on House Bill 629, which encompasses the State’s Capital Improvement Budget and the One Time Strategic Community Investment Fund, as announced by Representative Jamie Callender (R-Concord). The bill includes funding for various projects such as water infrastructure improvements in Concord, support for the Alliance for Working Together in Mentor, and enhancements to Lake Metroparks.

The One Time Strategic Community Investment Fund, established under HB 33 by the 135th General Assembly, is a $700 million fund aimed at supporting significant projects across Ohio. These projects are expected to have long-term impacts on their respective regions. Lake County is set to receive over $8.7 million for 12 projects including:

- $1 million for a new fire station in Mentor

- $500,000 for a waterline extension in Concord

- $500,000 to support Phase III of the Lake Metroparks Lakefront Trail

Paul Palagyi, Executive Director of Lake Metroparks, expressed gratitude: “Thanks to Representative Callender’s support, Lake Metroparks will be able to continue work on the amazing 2-mile lakefront trail between Painesville Twp and Fairport Harbor. This funding will help build Phase III of the trail which, when complete, will provide access to our greatest natural resource – Lake Erie.”

Northeast Ohio also benefits from the fund with allocations such as:

- $7 million for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame

- $2 million for the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

- $365,000 to build an interactive media lab at the Cleveland Institute of Art

Greg Harris, Executive Director of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, stated: “We are so grateful to the Ohio General Assembly for their support and investment in the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame’s historic museum expansion. This project will transform the museum, community, the lakefront, and continue to drive economic growth... More than half a million visitors are drawn to the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame each year generating $225 million and supporting 1,800 Ohio jobs.”

Overall, Northeast Ohio will receive over $100 million from this fund.

The State’s Capital Improvement Budget totals over $3.5 billion and supports various statewide projects including public and community colleges as well as local community initiatives. Lakeland Community College will receive $4.1 million while other Lake County projects include:

- $500,000 for the Alliance for Working Together

- An additional $500,000 for Lake Metroparks Lakefront Trail

- $300,000 for improvements at Mentor Marina

Teresa Simons, Executive Director of AWT remarked: “AWT is extremely grateful for Representative Callender’s past and ongoing leadership and support of our efforts to attract both youth and adults into rewarding careers in manufacturing.”

Additional funded projects within this budget include:

- $4.6 million for Severance Music Center

- $1 million for renovations at Cleveland Institute of Music’s Kulas Hall

- $1 million for Science Education Galleries at Cleveland Museum of Natural History

Representative Callender commented: “Ohio has been presented with a historic opportunity to make lasting investments into workforce training... These projects will ensure residents of Ohio will continue to be able to experience Ohio’s lakes and rivers...”

HB 629 is scheduled for further hearings before an anticipated floor vote on Wednesday, June 26.