King Secures Funding for District Improvement Projects

COLUMBUS – State Representative Angie King (R-Celina) has secured more than $8.8 million for capital improvement projects in the 84^th House District with the passing of the capital budget Wednesday.

This funding makes historic investments in local projects that will transform communities around the district. 

“I’m pleased to have so many worthy projects funded for our district,” King said. “The Capital Budget process helps to fund construction and maintenance programs for our communities. The funds are an opportunity for the district’s communities to launch ambitious projects that will leave a lasting impact. The One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund gave many organizations a second chance for funding.”

King secured the following capital investments that will positively impact the district:

• $1.5 million in funding to renovate the Grand Event Center at the Mercer County Fairgrounds.
• $750,000 to fund the construction of a new regional fire training facility for 21 fire departments in Darke, Mercer, Miami, Shelby and Prebble counties at the Western Ohio Fire Tower.
• $600,000 Ft. Recovery Water Tower
• $500,000 to restore the Morvilius Opera House in Fort Recovery to its original 1883 design.
• $500,000 to fund phase two of the rehabilitation of the St. Marys Reservoir Mill. The budget funding will finish the interior work of the building to include, HVAC, electric and plumbing.
• $450,000 to renovate and enhance the Fort Recovery Municipal Swimming Pool.
• $450,000 to make tennis and basketball court improvements to the Village of St. Henry’s North Park.
• $400,000 to improve safety at Eldora Speedway.
• $380,000 to create a new walking path to interconnect the Heritage Parkway Pedestrian Plaza in Wapakoneta to downtown.
• $225,000 YMCA Auglaize-Mercer County Recreation Complex.
• $200,000 to renovate the New Bremen Library.
• $200,000 to repurpose the tennis courts at the Coldwater Memorial Park into six pickleball courts.
• $300,000 for the renovation of the St. Marys Theater and Grand Opera House.
• $65,000 to install a new driveway at the Auglaize County Fairgrounds.
• $120,000 to the Darke County Fish and Game Association for the construction of a new archery complex and clubhouse renovations.
• $100,000 for the creation of the Minster-Fort Loramie Multiuse Trail.
• $100,000 in funding to help with the construction of a new building at Versailles Heritage Park.
• $71,000 to improve the Chickasaw Community Park ball diamond and playground.
• $50,000 to the Village of North Star for the funding of new equipment for the North Star Community Park.
• $20,000 for the resurfacing of the Osgood Tennis Court.
• $18,000 to add restrooms to the Rockford Community Park.

In addition to these local investments, this legislation also includes statewide capital investments of:

• $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 around the state.

The legislature approves a capital budget every two years, funding needed improvements to public services and facilities across the state, including schools, infrastructure, mental health, and addiction facilities. Substitute House Bill 2 awaits a signature from the Governor.

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