South Central Ohio – U.S. Senator Jon Husted (R-Ohio) announced on January 30, 2026, that he supported a major federal funding package for fiscal year 2026 that delivers more than $31 million in targeted investments for projects across the state. The package, passed with bipartisan cooperation, funds critical areas such as education, workforce development, infrastructure, housing, and military readiness while advancing responsible budgeting priorities.
Husted emphasized the importance of these investments in a statement from his office. “In addition to targeted investments across Ohio, this funding bolsters our military, keeps border security strong, supports education and health systems, and modernizes air and transportation safety—priorities that keep our state and country moving forward,” he said. He described the bill as a step toward fiscal responsibility and accountability to taxpayers.
The funding forms part of a larger appropriations effort, completing five of the 12 subcommittee bills needed to fund the government through FY26. It includes a continuing resolution for the Department of Homeland Security through February 13, 2026.
For south central and southern Ohio communities, the package provides direct benefits through Congressionally Directed Spending requests secured by Husted. These local projects focus on park improvements, affordable housing, tourism, and workforce training.
• The City of Chillicothe in Ross County receives $1,500,000 for the Mary Lou Patton Park Infrastructure Revitalization. This funding addresses persistent water drainage problems, reorganizes traffic flow and parking, expands green space, and enhances overall park infrastructure to better serve residents and visitors.
• In Portsmouth (Scioto County), the Chillicothe Street Housing Project obtains $1,500,000 to rehabilitate two vacant buildings in the downtown area. The initiative will create affordable housing units alongside commercial spaces, supporting revitalization efforts in the community.
• The Vinton County Convention and Visitors Bureau secures $5,000,000 for capital improvements to renovate portions of the historic Hotel McArthur. The project transforms parts of the landmark structure into a new visitors center, boosting tourism and economic development in southeast Ohio.
Other notable Ohio-wide allocations from Husted’s requests include:
• $3 million for Cincinnati State to renovate its Advanced Manufacturing Training Center.
• $9,500,000 for Columbus State Community College’s Ohio Center for Advanced Technology to build a workforce training center focused on advanced manufacturing jobs.
• $3,750,000 for the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Beall Avenue Safety Improvement Project in Wooster, including a new roundabout at a high-traffic intersection.
• $5,000,000 for the Youngstown-Warren Regional Airport runway rehabilitation.
• Smaller grants such as $875,000 for Stark State College’s CDL Instruction Center and $247,000 for a Muskingum River public access project.
Beyond these local line items, the broader package includes significant investments in career and technical education grants, Head Start and child care programs, special education support, defense enhancements (including runway repairs at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base and tank upgrades in Lima), air traffic control hiring, and anti-drug efforts.
Local leaders in south central Ohio have welcomed the funding as a boost for community needs. Recent reports indicate excitement around the Mary Lou Patton Park improvements and the Hotel McArthur restoration, with projects expected to advance despite earlier challenges.
This funding reflects ongoing efforts by Ohio’s congressional delegation to bring federal resources home for infrastructure, education, and economic growth. Residents can view the full press release and bill details on Senator Husted’s official website.
