MOUNT VERNON — The Ohio Senate began hearings Tuesday on a bill that could bring $2,875,000 to Knox County.
The money is part of the One-Time Strategic Community Investment Fund (OTSCIF), a $700 million initiative created through House Bill 33, the state’s current operating budget.
The General Assembly passed HB33 in June 2023.
The strategic investment money supports projects that might not qualify for the state capital budget.
The Ohio House and Senate each appropriated $350 million for projects. Knox County projects include:
•$2 million for a new police station for the City of Mount Vernon
•$750,000 for water infrastructure improvements for the Village of Fredericktown
•$125,000 ($90,000 from the House and $35,000 from the Senate) for the Family Fun Grounds in the Village of Danville
The OTSCIF appropriations are one component of HB2, passed in February. Other appropriations relate to jail facilities and educational institutions.
If the Senate makes changes to the bill and the House agrees with them, the bill will go to Gov. Mike DeWine for his signature.
If the House does not agree with the Senate changes, the bill will likely be sent to a conference committee. The House and Senate would then have to vote on it again.
