COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio lawmakers are moving quickly to pass a massive $3.7 billion state capital budget, which includes a confirmed $5,670,000 windfall for critical community, infrastructure, and historic preservation projects across Pickaway County.
Introduced as Senate Bill 450 by Senate Finance Chair Jerry Cirino (R-Kirtland), the sweeping legislation funds state and local construction projects, including K-12 schools, universities, state parks, and behavioral health facilities. An identical companion bill is being handled in the House by House Finance Chair Brian Stewart (R-Ashville), ensuring unified bipartisan momentum.
“This Capital Budget is well-rounded, with support for local projects that equally prioritizes both rural and urban communities across Ohio,” Representative Stewart said in a statement, noting that every single county in Ohio will receive critical funding.
$2 Million Aquatic Facility Leads Pickaway County Allocations
Pickaway County’s $5.67 million regional subtotal is distributed across 12 distinct local initiatives, spanning Circleville, Ashville, South Bloomfield, Williamsport, and Tarlton.
The largest single local allocation is a $2,000,000 appropriation earmarked for the construction of the highly anticipated Barthelmas Park Aquatic Facility in Circleville. The long-awaited pool and community facility marks a major recreational upgrade for the county.
Other major funding highlights for Pickaway County include:
$1,500,000 for South Bloomfield Corridor roadway and infrastructure improvements.
$500,000 for the Pickaway Agriculture and Events Center.
$500,000 for higher-education science facility upgrades at Ohio Christian University in Circleville.
$345,000 for renovations at Haven House.
$250,000 for the Pickaway County Library.
Smaller community and historical initiatives also secured vital lines of state funding, including $125,000 for improvements at Ted Lewis Park, $125,000 for the historic Memorial Hall, and $100,000 for Circleville’s Historic City Hall. Additionally, $100,000 was awarded to the New Hope Accessible Classroom Project for ADA-compliant upgrades, $75,000 for the Tarlton Community Building, and $50,000 for the Mt. Oval Historic House and Farm Project.
Inside the $3.7 Billion Statewide Budget
On a broader scale, Senate Bill 450 heavily prioritizes education, public safety, and mental health infrastructure statewide. The top tier of statewide spending is dominated by $600 million for K-12 school building assistance, followed closely by $510 million for local infrastructure and $346.5 million aimed at improving state behavioral health centers.
The bill also allocates $236.8 million for state prisons, $142.2 million for cultural, arts, and history projects, and $76.9 million toward state park improvements. Higher education institutions also see massive relief, including $61 million specifically for architectural renovations at Ohio State University’s Hughes and Ramseyer Halls.
With billions of dollars in initial local requests pouring into the Statehouse this spring, Senate leaders emphasize that careful curation was necessary to remain balanced. “There are always millions more dollars worth of projects requested than can be approved,” Senator Cirino stated. “We worked closely with House Finance Chairman Brian Stewart evaluating and prioritizing key projects around the state to make sure this community-based budget is fiscally responsible.”
With the first formal hearings underway, state lawmakers expect to fully pass the capital budget before breaking next week for the summer recess and upcoming fall election campaigns.
