It may be only less than 1 percent of the overall proposed capital budget, but it still adds up to at least $2.5 million coming to Lawrence County if the bill passes.

The largest amount would be $1 million for three community pools to be part of a proposed wellness center at The Point industrial park in South Point.

The goal is to have every third grader learn how to swim.

“This is part of a bigger project at the South Point center dealing with health,” Sen. Bob Peterson, R-17, said. “Unfortunately Lawrence County has by most state rankings some health challenges. We are trying to address that. There will be swimming pool lessons, recreation and exercise.”

Building the pool is a partnership with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources.

“Two things are very easy to do,” Peterson said. “Parks and recreation and the arts. We have got a lot of latitude.”

However no state funds can go for operating expenses or to build a structure that would not be a state asset, such as a county jail.

“It couldn’t be for a county,” Rep Ryan Smith, R-93, said. “Unless there is a state nexus we couldn’t do that.”

Several years ago the state gave $500,000 for a roof at the Ohio River Juvenile Correctional Facility as that was at the time a state asset.

The next biggest potential appropriation would go to Ohio University Southern with $870,000 for building upgrades.

After that the next would be $300,000 to put on a new roof and boiler at the Chesapeake Community Center.

“When I visited there, there was a lot of support,” Smith said. “They shared what it meant to them.”

Also Ohio University Southern Proctorville Center will get an additional $200,000 for its walking path.

“That in addition to what we did before, should take care of it,” Smith said.

The last appropriation is for $200,000 for the ongoing restoration of the historic Ro-Na theater.

The overall proposed budget totals $2.6 billion with $650 million for repairs, renovations and maintenance at primary and secondary schools; $428 million for Ohio’s public colleges and universities and $56 million for the state university system; $500 million to the Public Works Commission for local infrastructure; $275 million for dams, parks, trails, waterways and wildlife; $100 million for health and human services; and $160 million for economic and cultural development.

“I think this capital bill for Lawrence County is an investment back into the community assets and things that are important to the community that were advocated by the local folks,” Smith said. “I am excited to work with them on the projects.”

The first hearing on the bill is set for Tuesday.