West Stark News

The Ohio House of Representatives has approved the $350 million Strategic Community Investment Fund, known as Substitute House Bill 2. This fund, which includes funding for statewide, regional, and local projects, is set to bring about significant benefits for Stark County and the surrounding region. State Representatives Scott Oelslager and Jim Thomas have been instrumental in championing this fund.

One of the key areas that will benefit from this fund is tourism. Representative Oelslager highlighted the importance of the tourism industry, stating, "Both the tourism and aviation industries are pillars of our state. By investing in projects like these today, we will see transformational growth in our county and throughout the rest of the state tomorrow." This investment will not only boost the local economy but also contribute to the overall growth of the state.

Representative Thomas also expressed his enthusiasm for the investments in Stark County. He emphasized the significance of supporting local attractions that make the area unique, stating, "I look forward to the growth of Stark County's economy thanks to the investments in our airport and the Pro Football Hall of Fame. We must support the attractions that make our area unique to the rest of the state."

Thanks to the efforts of Stark County area representatives, specific projects in the region have been secured for funding. The Pro Football Hall of Fame will receive $7 million for modernization, stimulating tourism in the greater Canton area. Additionally, $2.5 million will be allocated to expand the Akron-Canton Airport, boosting the aviation industry and overall economic development in Ohio.

The Strategic Community Investment Fund also includes statewide capital investments in various sectors. These include $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, and $250 million for jail construction across Ohio. These investments will be part of the greater State Capital Budget bill, a two-year construction budget for capital projects.

It is important to note that the Strategic Community Investment Fund was established under the state's main operating budget passed in 2023 and includes excess funding from the previous fiscal year. This demonstrates a commitment to utilizing resources effectively to support the growth and development of communities across Ohio.

The passage of the Strategic Community Investment Fund is a significant milestone for Stark County and the greater region. With targeted investments in key areas such as tourism and aviation, the local economy is poised for growth. The funding allocated for projects like the Pro Football Hall of Fame and the Akron-Canton Airport will not only benefit the immediate area but also contribute to the overall economic development of Ohio. The commitment to statewide capital projects further underscores the dedication to improving various sectors and ensuring long-term prosperity for the state.

The success of this initiative is a testament to the diligent work of State Representatives Oelslager and Thomas, as well as the collaborative efforts of the Ohio House of Representatives. Their commitment to strategic community investment will undoubtedly have a positive and lasting impact on Stark County and the entire state of Ohio.