East Stark News

The Ohio House of Representatives passed Substitute House Bill 2 on Wednesday, marking the approval of the state’s two-year construction budget for capital projects. State Representatives Scott Oelslager (R-North Canton), Jim Thomas (R-Jackson Twp.), and Reggie Stoltzfus (R-Paris Twp.) announced that the bill will allocate over $4.2 billion for capital projects, along with $717 million in one-time project funding from the Strategic Community Investment Fund.

Oelslager, Thomas, and Stoltzfus highlighted several key investments totaling $26.11 million aimed at benefiting Stark County and its surrounding areas. These investments include:

- $9.76 million to support the Hall of Fame Village.

- $7 million to modernize the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

- $3.2 million to expand the Akron-Canton Airport.

- $400,000 for oil and natural gas job training equipment at Stark State.

- $300,000 to expand the Canton Cultural Center for the Arts.

- Various other allocations aimed at enhancing local parks, historical sites, addiction recovery facilities, domestic violence shelters, and community centers.

“Ohio is our home, and it is our responsibility to take care of our home,” said Oelslager. “From workforce to tourism to education to infrastructure, I am confident these investments will spur transformational change for generations to come.”

“This wide array of projects will strengthen communities across Stark County,” added Thomas. “Securing these investments will ensure our future remains bright.”

“This funding will enhance all that Stark County has to offer,” noted Stoltzfus.

In addition to local investments, Substitute House Bill 2 includes statewide capital investments such as:

- $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 across Ohio.

The bill now awaits a signature from Governor Mike DeWine.