MOUNT VERNON — Nearly $5 million in local improvement projects was included in the state capital budget the Ohio Senate passed on Tuesday.
Senate Bill 450 earmarks $350,000 for Mount Vernon’s west end revitalization project at Riverside Park and $135,000 for Centerburg’s Ohio to Erie trail heads project.
Another $11,000 will go to the Fredericktown Historical Society to repair the SS Tuttle House.
“These are real investments in the communities that families use every day,” State Sen. Andrew Brenner said in a release announcing the passage of SB 450.
“Whether it’s improving fairgrounds, expanding recreational opportunities, supporting agriculture, restoring local landmarks, or creating new spaces for children and families, this funding will leave a lasting impact on our region.”
Funding goes toward local parks, trails, and historical renovation
Mount Vernon’s west end revitalization projects include installing new pickleball and basketball courts at Riverside Park. The Riverside project also includes a handicapped-accessible restroom and street and stormwater improvements on West Sugar Street.
The total Arch Park improvement project is estimated at around $300,000 and features a restroom, drinking fountain, and pavilion. It also includes expanding the community garden, enhancing river access, and new playground equipment.
“We’re extremely grateful for Rep. Mark Hiner and Sen. Brenner for their support in helping out our west end parks and look forward to investing this capital in meaningful ways at Riverside and Arch Avenue,” Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr said.
The Ohio to Erie Trail project includes restrooms at Centerburg’s Memorial Park and downtown.
“The Village of Centerburg, and our partners with the Heart of Ohio Trail and Knox County Foundation, appreciate the support from Sen. Brenner, Rep. Beth Lear, and the state legislature to bring trail heads to our downtown and new Heart of Ohio Playground,” Richard Dzik, Centerburg village administrator, said.
“Along with our ongoing Trail Towns initiative, we are eager to continue improving this valuable community asset for the benefit of our residents and visitors.”
The Fredericktown Historical Society will receive $11,000 to renovate the SS Tuttle House. The society moved into the house at 33 E. College St. last month.
Historical society president Jim Wagner previously said while the building is in good shape overall, the society plans some upgrades.
“Our front porch is old and needs to be repaired, so we’re looking at getting that done right now,” he said at a ribbon-cutting ceremony on May 13. “Snyder’s left us a very nice building when we bought it off them.
“There’s not a whole lot we need to do — mostly cosmetic things we want to fix.”
Funding benefits education, recreation, and mental health
The capital budget for the biennium ending June 30, 2028, totals $3.7 billion.
It includes funding for schools, infrastructure, parks, and community projects throughout the state.
“These projects were made possible through collaboration with local leaders, community organizations, and residents who identified critical needs and opportunities,” Brenner said in the release.
“I’m grateful for their partnership and proud to help deliver state resources back to the taxpayers and communities that make Ohio strong.”
Other projects in the 19th Senate District include:
- $200,000 for the Coshocton Canal Restoration Project (Coshocton County).
- $200,000 for Coshocton County Fairgrounds Improvement (Coshocton County).
- $500,000 for Liberty Park Playground Projects (Delaware County).
- $400,000 for Delaware County Fairground 4-H Agriculture Barn Improvements (Delaware County).
- $350,000 for Brown Township Park Improvements (Delaware County).
- $50,000 for the Village of Ashley Pocket Park (Delaware County).
- $500,000 for the Holmes County Exposition Center expansion (Holmes County).
- $250,000 for the Winesburg Park Improvement Project (Holmes County).
In addition to local projects, the capital budget invests statewide in Ohio’s future by directing:
- $611 million to the Ohio Schools Facility Commission for new construction and facility improvements at Ohio’s public schools.
- $425 million for Ohio’s colleges and universities.
- Nearly $265 million to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.
Click here for a full list of projects.
On June 1, House Finance Chair Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) introduced an identical bill to the senate version.
