Kasich Unveils $2.4B Budget With Money for Road, Park, Prison Projects

COLUMBUS, Ohio, (AP) — Ohio Gov. John Kasich has unveiled a nearly $2.4 billion state construction budget to fund a host of community, school, park and prison projects.

Kasich and state legislative leaders introduced the spending blueprint March 18. Quick action on the bill is expected.

The bill directs $675 million toward primary and secondary schools and $450 million toward public colleges and universities for repairs, renovations and new buildings.

Another $574 million goes for maintenance, renovation and cost-saving projects at state-owned facilities, including parks and prisons.

Local road, bridge, sewer and other infrastructure projects would receive $369 million, with an additional $100 million going to the Clean Ohio green space preservation program.

The administration estimates projects funded under the bill would create 31,000 jobs over several years.