The capital budget is one of five budgets passed by each General Assembly. Unlike the operating budget, this is not for programs or public services: it is for physical development, brick-and-mortar, so to speak: for upkeep and repair of buildings, or for new buildings; for dams and ball fields and a thousand other items, including community projects. Community projects may range from new ball fields to historical site renovation to refurbishment of a community theater.
In the last capital budget, Mahoning County received $15.6 million for community projects and Trumbull county received $950,000. With those dollars, Mahoning Valley built a live fire training facility and a literacy and cultural center. Trumbull County received funds for a bike trail, a veterans’ memorial, and the Weathersfield Township multi-jurisdictional center.
What funding is available for community projects in the Mahoning Valley in the next capital budget? What projects are under consideration and how will they further the economic development of the region?