The Castle Museum in Marietta, Ohio was included for $59,000 in funding as part of Ohio Senate Bill 450 which recently passed the Ohio Senate. The Castle was one of 11 projects in Washington County highlighted by Ohio Sen. Brian Chavez (R-Marietta) as part of the Capital Budget Bill. The Castle is receiving $9,000 as part of this funding bill and $50,000 in redirected funds from a past project that did not happen. (File Photo)

COLUMBUS– A state senator from Marietta has announced a number of projects across his district that are included in Senate Bill 450, the state’s Capital Budget Bill, including a number of projects in Washington County.

State Senator Brian Chavez (R-Marietta) who represents the 30th District in the Ohio Senate released a list of 45 projects totaling over $8 million across the district that are included in the bill which passed the Ohio Senate last week. Of those projects, 11 are in Washington County. The 30th District includes Athens, Belmont, Harrison, Jefferson, Meigs, Monroe, Morgan, Noble, and Washington counties as well as portions of Guernsey County.

“Capital Projects are vital to rural communities like ours,” Chavez said in a press release issued by his office. “I look forward to seeing some transformational benefits as these projects are completed.”

The Washington County projects include:

â–¦ Akron Children’s Hospital – Belpre Pediatric Primary Care Office Project – $400,000

â–¦ Marietta College Nursing Program Facilities Improvements – $200,000

â–¦ Washington County Fair Improvements – $200,000

â–¦ Marietta East Muskingum Park Improvements – $150,000

â–¦ Old Community Hall Renovations – $125,000

â–¦ Washington County Career Center – $100,000

â–¦ Oak Grove Pickleball and Recreation Center – $45,000

â–¦ Castle Museum Improvements – $9,000 for this funding bill and $50,000 in redirected funds from a past project that did not happen.

â–¦ Washington County Courthouse Upgrades – $100,000

â–¦ Alice Chapman Early Learning Center – $175,000 in redirected funds from a past project that did not happen.

â–¦ Memorial Community Childcare Center – an amount was not readily available

Chavez also announced various projects for Athens County, Belmont County, Harrison County, Jefferson County, Meigs County, Monroe County, Morgan County and Noble County.

“Capital Projects are an important investment by the state into our communities,” Chavez added.

SB 450 also included other projects in Washington County, including funding for the Mid-Ohio Valley Aquatics Center, the Beverly Village Park, the Ohio River Museum, the Boys and Girls Club of Marietta, the St. Mary of the Assumption Roof Project, Washington State College of Ohio, Anchorage House Museum improvements and the Marietta College girl’s softball complex, among others.

Senate Bill 450’s main sponsor was Senator Jerry C. Cirino, R-Cleveland, who represents the 18th District. Chavez was one of 23 co-sponsors on the bill.

The legislature generally passes a Capital Budget every two years, funding improvements to public services and facilities across the state, including schools, infrastructure, and mental health and addiction facilities. Senate Bill 450 includes $645 Million for the Public Works Commission, $611 Million for the School Facilities Commission, $425 Million for Higher Education Institutions, $385 Million for the Department of Behavioral Health and $265 Million for the Department of Natural Resources.

Additionally, SB 450 saw the implementation of the State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP). which Ohioans passed in May of 2025. SCIP allows the state to issue bonds to assist in funding projects which improve roads, bridges, culverts, water supply systems, water systems, storm water collection systems, mad solid waste disposal systems.

The Capital Budget now heads to the Ohio House of Representatives for further consideration and action. According to the Ohio Senate website, the bill has been introduced in the House.