5-15-2024 10:06pm

Landsman Selects 15 Local Projects to Advance in Community Project Funding Process

Beth Callahan Editor

WARREN COUNTY, OH -- Congressman Landsman has selected 15 local, community-led projects to advance in this year’s Fiscal Year 2025 Community Project Funding process, including 4 that would impact residents in Warren County. Last month, Congressman Landsman opened his Community Project Funding process to the public and received more than 50 applications from across Hamilton County and Warren County.

Each year, members of Congress can submit up to 15 projects to the House Appropriations Committee for consideration to receive specialized federal funding that is included in the appropriations bills that Congress passes annually to fund the federal government. Previously known as earmarks, the Community Project Funding process allows members of Congress to work closely with community partners to identify projects of regional importance that can benefit from federal funding.

Now that Congressman Landsman has selected and submitted his 15 projects, the House Appropriations Committee will undertake a review of each project submitted by every member of the Congress before determining which submitted projects will ultimately be included in the appropriations bills that Congress will take up later this year. During the previous year’s Fiscal Year 2024 Community Project Funding process, Congressman Landsman successfully secured more than $15 million for 15 projects in the appropriations bills that passed Congress.

“From public safety and affordable housing, to parks and roadways, the 15 projects we’ve worked with the community to move forward will improve the lives of children and families across Southwest Ohio. Now, we’re going to work on passing a responsible, bipartisan budget that includes funding for these critical priorities – returning your tax dollars back to the community for projects that matter to you,” Landsman noted.

The Four Warren County Projects selected were:

Warren County Transportation Improvement District – State Route 48 and I-71 Interchange Improvement Project
- Funding Request: $3,000,000
- Project Description: The project would realign and resurface the southbound State Route 48 ramp to southbound I-71 – assuring more balanced vehicle speeds, safer operations for traffic entering southbound I-71, and better traction for vehicle stopping and handling.
City of Lebanon – Downtown Lebanon Pedestrian Safety Improvement Project
- Funding Request: $600,000
- Project Description: The project would construct and install pedestrian safety upgrades along the Broadway Avenue and Main Street corridors through downtown Lebanon by replacing traffic signals, constructing pedestrian crossings, installing pedestrian signage, and more.
City of Mason – State Route 741 Improvement Project
- Funding Request: $3,480,000
- Project Description: The project would improve State Route 741 between Center Drive and I-71 by upgrading two traffic signals at high-use intersections, installing traffic calming measures and hardscape, creating more than half a mile of sidewalks and bike paths, and improving pedestrian safety infrastructure.
Board of Trustees of the Lebanon Public Library – Lebanon Library Renovation Project
- Funding Request: $800,000
- Project Description: The project would renovate the main floor of the library building – which was first built in 1908 and last renovated in 1988 – by constructing new meeting and study spaces, installing new flooring and ceilings, updating lighting, electrical, and HVAC systems, upgrading bathrooms, and improving ADA-accessibility.