COLUMBUS, Ohio — Governor Mike DeWine has signed Ohio’s new two-year capital budget, authorizing $3.7 billion in investments for infrastructure, education, public safety, recreation, and community development projects across the state.
Senate Bill 450, covering fiscal years 2027 and 2028, was signed Friday by DeWine, who said the funding package builds on efforts to strengthen Ohio communities, support workforce development, and improve quality of life for residents.
“The projects outlined in this budget will improve our parks, county fairgrounds, and historical sites; upgrade schools and classrooms to support the future workforce; promote safe and independent living for Ohioans with disabilities; continue building the mental healthcare system; and more,” DeWine said. “This capital budget impacts all Ohioans today and for the future.”
The legislation provides funding for a wide range of state and local projects, including upgrades to higher education facilities, improvements to Ohio’s state park system, renovations at correctional institutions, investments in behavioral health services, and improvements to county fairgrounds and local tourism destinations.
Lt. Governor Jim Tressel said the budget reflects the state’s commitment to investing in strong communities and creating opportunities for Ohio families.
Among the major investments included in the capital budget are funding for college and university classroom renovations, laboratory upgrades, and campus safety improvements designed to support Ohio’s future workforce needs.
The budget also provides support for construction and renovation projects at Ohio’s behavioral health hospitals and includes funding for the development of a specialized youth care facility.
Ohio’s state park system, which state officials note has received national recognition, will receive funding for modernization and infrastructure improvements at parks across the state.
Additional funding will support residential housing options for Ohioans with developmental disabilities, renovations to correctional institutions, and improvements to more than 50 historical sites and museums statewide. Projects include completion of the new Poindexter Village Museum in Columbus and the reimagined Ohio River Museum in Marietta.
The budget also invests in upgrades to training facilities at the Ohio Fire Academy, allowing for more advanced and realistic training opportunities for firefighters and first responders.
Local communities across Ohio are expected to benefit from funding earmarked for parks, trails, historical attractions, county fairgrounds, and other regional projects intended to boost recreation, tourism, and economic development.
State officials said project funding will begin rolling out over the next two fiscal years as agencies and local partners move forward with approved construction and renovation efforts.
