COLUMBUS—Senate President Matt Huffman (R-Lima) announced a multi-million dollar investment for community projects in the 12th Senate District. This represents the first phase of the Capital Budget rollout, which this year includes an additional $700 million that communities and organizations could apply to, for projects around the state.

The One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund, affectionately known around the Ohio Statehouse as the "OTSCIF," was divided between both chambers to evaluate projects submitted by organizations for consideration. "This fund was the result of strategic planning while we prepared the operating budget for the next two years," said President Huffman. "This additional investment really makes a difference in our communities, downtowns and neighborhoods that people will recognize."

Among the projects in the 12th Senate District is a $10 million investment for much needed renovations at the Lima Veterans Memorial Hall, which is in downtown Lima. "Many downtowns around the state have been trying to revitalize, renovate and reinvigorate the vacant store fronts and empty buildings that cast a shadow on our communities," said President Huffman. "This project will keep Lima's downtown moving forward as a great destination to work, shop and call home."

That is just one of the projects President Huffman was able to secure funding for. The Mercer County community of Fort Recovery applied for help building a new water tower. "Quality water service is vital for any community," said President Huffman. "I'm pleased that the project will receive $600,000 to help pay for the construction costs." 

Here is the complete list of projects receiving funding from the Senate's "OTSCIF" budget for the 12th Senate District.

• Veterans Memorial Hall $10 million
• Allen County Airport Fuel Farm $1 million
• Rhodes Sate Advanced Manufacturing Lab $440,000
• Fort Recovery Water Tower Project $600,000
• Allen County Child Support Enforcement Agency Facility $375,000
• Shelby Community Workforce Training Center receives $500,000
• Midwest Regional ESC Resilient Heights Improvements $600,000
• Logan County Sewer District Flat Branch Upgrades $1.5 Million
• Fort Loramie Industrial Park $724,000
• Eldora Speedway Public Safety Improvements $400,000
• Temple Christian School Building Expansion $250,000 
• Heir Force Community School Land Acquisition  $250,000
• Bellefontaine Calvary Christian School $250,000
• Saint Mary's Reservoir Mill $250,000
• New Bremen Public Library Renovation $200,000 
• Champaign Aviation Museum Improvements $20,000

Hearings for the bill containing the "OTSCIF" funding will be held Tuesday and Wednesday in the Senate's Finance Committee. This represents the first phase of the state's traditional Capital Budget process.

For updates on projects secured by Senators for their districts, read the story posted on our online newsroom, "On The Record."