Today, Governor DeWine unveiled his Executive Budget proposal, which would invest nearly half a billion dollars in Ohio’s municipalities. The budget proposal, which includes a $1 billion “Investing in Ohio’s Future” initiative, would invest $450 million in Ohio’s local communities by funding local infrastructure projects and expanding broadband access across the state. The budget also makes important investments in local businesses, which are the backbone of Ohio’s local communities.
The Governor’s proposal would invest $200 million specifically for infrastructure in Ohio’s communities, including the funding to help local governments address the important issue of underground infrastructure and ensuring residents have access to clean drinking water. The budget also earmarks funding for “brownfields” or blighted properties that many local governments are financially unable to demolish and revitalize.
The budget would also invest $200 million in expanding broadband access to households without basic internet connectivity. An additional $50 million would be allocated to make broadband more affordable by paying infrastructure costs, leveraging state assets, and matching Federal dollars.
“We thank Governor DeWine for making an investment in Ohio’s local governments a priority in the administration’s budget proposal,” said League Board President and Kettering City Manager Mark Schwieterman. “By funding local infrastructure projects and broadband expansion, the state will be making critical investments in Ohio’s economic recovery.”
The League looks forward to working with Governor DeWine and the General Assembly as the budget works through the legislative process. We encourage our members to contact their legislators and urge their support for this important investment. Our members will be able to find more information in our legislative bulletin on Friday.
