From the Senator

From the Senator

Dear Neighbor,

The legislature generally approves a Capital Budget every two years, funding improvements to public services and facilities across the state, including schools, infrastructure, and mental health and addiction facilities. On June 28th, Governor DeWine signed Amended House Bill 2 into law. This legislation contained the 135th General Assembly’s “Capital Budget” expenditures, as well as disbursements of “One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund” (OTSCIF) dollars.

The funding for these “OTSCIF” projects came from the unique, one-time fund established under the state's current operating budget, House Bill 33, passed by the Ohio General Assembly in June of 2023. The OTSCIF set aside $700 million as an additional source of funding allowing communities and organizations to apply for help with projects that might not qualify as part of the state's traditional Capital Budget that happens every two years.

Our state must make smart investments into our communities while being good stewards of Ohioans' hard-earned tax dollars, and I am pleased to report positive results of my advocacy in this area – the 27th Senate District received a large chunk of this funding, returning your tax dollars to you.

I truly appreciate your feedback and opinions. What I hear from you is a critical part of my work in the legislature. Please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at roegner@ohiosenate.gov or by phone at (614) 466-4823.

It is a true honor to represent you in the Ohio Statehouse. I hope you enjoy reading this newsletter.

Respectfully,

State Senator Kristina Roegner
27th Senate District
www.OhioSenate.gov/Roegner

Senator Roegner with New Franklin Mayor Paul Adamson

Some highlights of local projects receiving OTSCIF funding include:

New Franklin Sewer Project - $3,800,000: These dollars will benefit 14,000 residents, expand a sanitary sewer, and bring economic development activity to the area.

Mayor Paul Adamson said, “The residents of the City of New Franklin are deeply grateful to Senator Kristina Roegner for her commitment to our city and our region, by virtue of her work to secure $3,800,000 for the City from the One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund. Made possible with this allocation, the expansion of sewer to our S.R. 93 commercial corridor is a game-changer for our City. This project will provide opportunities for commercial and residential development, all while staying consistent with the rural character of our community. In addition to serving the needs of current businesses wishing to expand and property owners interested in development, this project will better equip the City to continue to provide the high level of services that our residents value and appreciate. None of this would have been possible without Senator Roegner’s leadership and commitment. Once again we are deeply grateful!”

Cuyahoga Falls Regional Fire Training Complex - $3,000,000: This funding will help construct a regional training facility to provide fire departments throughout Summit County and the surrounding area with the ability to perform essential emergency training.

Mayor Don Walters said, "Thank you to Senator Roegner's office and the State Senate for securing $1.5M for our state-of-the-art firefighter training facility. There is nothing more important than public safety, and Cuyahoga Falls will set the new standard for highly skilled first responders.”

Stow First Responders Memorial - $95,863: Funding will be used to construct a new monument that will honor first responders who have served the public and those who have given their lives in the line of duty.

Chief of Police Jeff Film said, “The Stow Police and Fire Departments have been fundraising for the past five years for the Stow First Responder Memorial. If it wasn’t for the dedication of Senator Kristina Roegner to the first responders across the State of Ohio, I do not think that we would ever have raised enough funds for this project to be completed. This memorial will honor those members of the Stow safety forces who proudly served their community as well as those who lost their lives protecting our community.”

Akron-Canton Airport West Side Development - $3,200,000: This project will expand the airport’s ramp space by 150,000 square feet, addressing current capacity limitations and allowing for the development of more hangar space.

“We are incredibly thankful for Senator Roegner’s support of our project and the diligent work of our elected officials in bringing this request to fruition,” said Ren Camacho, President and CEO of the Akron-Canton Airport. “Adding an FAA-standard ramp to the West Side General Aviation Area would provide much-needed space for our current and future tenants to grow. In turn, the region stands to benefit from increased business, job creation, expanded transportation options, and enhanced educational opportunities.”

Village of Boston Heights Safety Center - $836,831: This funding will support the renovation of the current fire station and the design and construction of an addition, nearly tripling the facility’s square footage. This expansion will bring the Village’s police out of the basement of the Town Hall and combine safety services under one roof.

Village of Boston Heights Mayor Ron Antal said, “The Village of Boston Heights is on the brink of experiencing unprecedented business growth and expansion over the next 1 to 5 years. The support from Senator Roegner for the OTSCIF award is a crucial step towards this progress. This award will facilitate the construction of a much-needed safety center, which will serve as a vital hub for emergency response and coordination efforts. This safety center is essential for ensuring the safety and well-being of our residents and businesses. By investing in this infrastructure now, we can proactively prepare for the anticipated growth and development of Boston Heights, creating a secure environment that will foster continued prosperity.”

Macedonia Service Center - $500,000: This project seeks to consolidate city services within one building, which will improve efficiency and lead to better use of tax dollars.

Macedonia Mayor Nick Molnar stated, “I would like to thank Senator Roegner for helping to secure some funding for our new service building project. This project will help to centralize our service team in a safe and suitable building while greatly improving the ability to serve Macedonia!”

Middle School Skilled Trades Center - $750,000: This project has the potential to expose 60,000+ students to careers in skilled trades. The center will offer trade experiences in plumbing, electrical, HVAC, welding, carpentry, and 3D Design.

Patrick Scherer, CEO of project sponsor Great Trail Council BSA, said, "The Skilled Trades Education Center will provide thousands of young people each year with hands-on learning in the skilled trades. This initial opportunity to experience these skills will have a positive impact on the number of young people seeking apprenticeships and careers within the skilled trades. Great Trail Council is excited to play a key part in revealing the opportunities available to young people in the skilled trades. This project would not have been possible without the support of Senator Roegner and the State of Ohio."

A full list of projects receiving OTSCIF funding in Summit County is included below:
• Akron Cascade Plaza - $5,000,000
• New Franklin Sewer Project - $3,800,000
• Akron-Canton Airport West Side Development for Aeronautic Activity - $3,200,000
• Cuyahoga Falls Regional Fire Training Complex - $3,000,000
• Akron Art Museum – Center for Digital Discovery - $2,000,000
• Akron Zoo Veterinary Hospital - $1,750,000
• Akron Community Health Center Addiction One Campus Expansion - $1,250,000
• Barberton City Hall and Justice Center - $1,000,000
• Summit County Mobile Medical Project - $1,000,000
• Boston Heights Safety Center - $836,831
• Middle School Trades Education Center in Summit County - $750,000
• Hudson Inclusive Playground - $680,000
• Summit County Fairgrounds New Agriculture Center - $600,000
• Macedonia Service Center - $500,000
• Child Guidance and Family Solutions – Multi-Campus - $450,000
• Boys and Girls Club - Steve Wise - $440,913

Also included in HB2 was the state’s traditional capital budget. Some highlights of capital projects from around the district include:

Boston Mills Trail Improvements - $250,000: These dollars will supplement the cost of a bridge, piers, and boardwalk needed for a lake crossing requiring an 80' long, 10' wide bridge and appropriate boardwalk.

“Hudson is grateful to have a Senator who not only evaluates a request submitted by a city but also goes beyond it by looking at the budget and evaluating what else would be a good fit that the community may not have uncovered.” Hudson Councilman Chris Foster

North Fork Preserve of Bath - $370,000: This funding will assist in the renovation of a 50’ x 60’ barn on the property to be used as a public meeting space for both public and private events and would installation of a concrete floor, extending utilities from the existing home on the property and then installing electrical sub panel, outlets, switches, lights and fans to the barn; install supplemental natural gas furnace, interior painting, structural modifications to allow removal interior horse stalls.

“We had an opportunity to meet with Sen. Roegner and State Representative Bill Roemer in 2022 and showcase the unique 78-acre environmentally sensitive North Fork Preserve of Bath and sincerely appreciate their willingness to support state funding for improvements to the property. The North Fork Preserve of Bath will feature a trail loop system, parking area, and renovation of a home and barn to be converted to a public meeting space. In its commitment to protecting and preserving environmentally sensitive areas in the township for the public, Bath Township is pleased to add the North Fork Preserve of Bath to its parks system. We extend our deepest gratitude to Sen. Roegner and Representative Bill Roemer for their continued support for state capital grant funding for improvements to the property.” Vito Sinopoli, Township Administrator

Senator Roegner gives children a glimpse of farm life at the "Barlow Fall Festival," hosted annually at the Case-Barlow Farm

Case-Barlow Bicentennial Farm Barn Improvements - $90,000: Funding for this project has the potential to improve the functionality of the Farm’s historic 1890’s bank barn and increase its appeal as a programming and event venue.

“Case-Barlow Farm, a local nonprofit since 1996 in Hudson, Ohio, is so delighted and thankful to be the recipient of an Ohio Capital Budget grant. We will be using this funding for ongoing improvements to the historic 1890's bank barn. Planned improvements include the installation of an interior door system that will be situated within the existing entryway in a manner to retain heat in the barn while preserving the original entry. These doors will allow usage of the barn during inclement weather and will extend the seasonal use of the barn for cultural events. When the Barn is not in use, the original doors will be closed so that the exterior appearance of the barn is not affected. Additionally, CBF plans to enclose a 750-square-foot portion of the Barn's lower level to serve as a secure, pest-free storage area. We thank Senator Kristina Roegner for her interest and support in helping Case-Barlow Farm, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places, to continue and improve for future generations.” Linda Matty

• Hudson ADA Kayak Ramp/Dock - $62,700: The installation of an ADA-accessible boat/kayak launch dock at Hudson Springs Park, a popular destination within the Hudson Park System, will allow paddling activities to be enjoyed by individuals with disabilities, beginners, children, and seniors.

“Thank you for securing the funding for the ADA Kayak Boat Ramp at Hudson Springs Park. This ramp will give all of our citizens in Hudson the opportunity to enjoy being on the water and enjoy all of the natural features the lake has to offer!” Thomas Sheridan, Hudson City Manager

A full list of projects receiving Capital Budget funding in Summit County is included below:

Blossom Music Center - $1,050,000
City of Green Kleckner Park Adaptive Playground - $700,000
Cranz Farm Inn - $500,000
Western Reserve Historical Society Saving American History - $500,000
Fairlawn connector trails - $400,000
Copley Road Trail East - $350,000 Note: This project also received $150K OTSCIF
GodRich Food and Farmer's Project - $300,000
Akron Zoo Veterinary Hospital - $250,000
Boston Mills Trail Improvements - $250,000
Springfield Lake Retention Pond - $250,000
Child Guidance & Family Solutions (CGFS) - Akron Project - $200,000
Child Guidance & Family Solutions (CGFS) Stow Buildout - $200,000
North Fork Preserve of Bath - $200,000 Note: This project also received $170K OTSCIF
Buckeye Trail Improvements for the Richfield Heritage Preserve - $150,000
Summit Lake Vision Plan - $150,000
KSU: Porthouse Theater Improvements - $147,300
Oviatt House Restoration - $100,000
Case-Barlow Bicentennial Farm Barn Improvements - $90,000
Boston Heights - Matthew Thomas Park Trail - $75,000
Heritage House Museum Restoration - $75,000
Hudson ADA Kayak Ramp/Dock - $62,700

I am excited to see so much funding for so many worthwhile projects that will greatly enhance our communities now and for years to come. This budget will bolster so many fantastic endeavors, including increased child and family support, the arts, outdoor recreation including hiking trails, as well as contributing to our local commitment to the preservation of historic sites.

For a full list of projects around the state, click here.

Senator Kristina Roegner represents the 27th Ohio Senate District, which encompasses the majority of Summit County. Learn more at www.OhioSenate.gov/Roegner.

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