Ohio Communities to Receive Millions in State Capital Budget for Arts, Infrastructure
Ohio’s $4 billion capital budget will send millions to communities statewide for arts venues and critical infrastructure projects once lawmakers give final approval.
COLUMBUS, OHIO — Ohio communities will receive millions for local arts and infrastructure projects as part of the state’s $4 billion capital budget under consideration by lawmakers.
The capital budget allocates $208 million for community projects, with significant portions dedicated to cultural institutions and infrastructure improvements statewide.
Northeast Ohio Cultural Institutions Receive Major Funding
Cleveland’s major cultural attractions will benefit from the budget. The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Cleveland Museum of Art will each receive $2 million, while the Cleveland Orchestra will get $1.5 million.
“To be able to help expand, to have more people come through there is really good for the whole region,” said state Rep. Jamie Callender, R-Concord, who helped secure funding for Northeast Ohio projects.
The Cleveland Metroparks will receive $750,000 for a sailing center, and the Cleveland Zoo will get an equal amount. Callender noted these investments aim to attract visitors from a wide geographic area.
“[The projects] are going to help have people that live within a 2-300 mile radius come in for a weekend or for a long day and be able to really do some great family things, experience the lakefront,” he said.
Addressing Browns Stadium Departure
Several Northeast Ohio projects are designed to help offset the economic impact of the Cleveland Browns’ planned relocation to Brook Park.
“Losing the Browns is kind of a hurdle we’re gonna have to get over,” Callender acknowledged.
House Finance Vice Chair Mike Dovilla, R-Berea, explained that the funding distribution reflects priorities identified by legislators from urban counties throughout Ohio.
“Our members from the various urban counties around the state had a big role that they all played in making sure that the funds flowed the correct way and priorities for all of them,” Dovilla said.
Statewide Arts and Infrastructure Investment
Cincinnati area institutions will also benefit from the capital budget. The Farmer Music Center in Hamilton County is set to receive $2.5 million, while the Cincinnati Museum Center will get $500,000.
Beyond arts funding, the budget addresses critical infrastructure needs for social service organizations. The Hope and Healing Survivor Resource Center, a domestic violence shelter serving Summit and Medina Counties in Akron, highlighted urgent facility needs.
“If we don’t get the HVAC addressed, in the summer months when the temperatures start to rise, we may not be able to function,” said Kate Robbins with the organization.
Dovilla emphasized that theaters and event centers in cities across Ohio received funding allocations as part of the comprehensive budget package.
The capital budget awaits final passage by the Ohio General Assembly before the funding can be distributed to communities statewide.
