Warren-Clinton News

The Ohio House of Representatives has passed Substitute House Bill 2, which will provide $13.75 million in funding for the Cincinnati Open Tennis Tournament in Mason, Ohio. State Representative Adam Mathews, who announced the funding, expressed his satisfaction with the outcome, stating, "When I came to the Statehouse, I made a promise to fight for the tennis tournament in Mason, and we won."

The funding for the Cincinnati Open is part of a larger allocation of $350 million from the Strategic Community Investment Fund. This fund will support various one-time projects throughout the state. Mathews played a crucial role in securing the additional investment to fulfill the House's commitment to keeping the tournament in Mason. The upgraded tennis facility will not only host an expanded Cincinnati Open but also feature new world-class tennis-focused sports and entertainment facilities in Warren County, with year-round activation for community involvement.

According to Mathews, this investment in the Cincinnati Open facilities demonstrates Ohio's dedication to hosting world-class events and bolstering the local economy. He stated, "We are building a brighter future for Ohio, and it continues today."

Warren County Commissioner David Young also praised Mathews' efforts, remarking, "People have called me the guy who saved Cincinnati tennis. Let me be clear, we could not have saved it without Adam Mathews."

Additionally, Sub. House Bill 2 includes significant statewide capital investments. These include $600 million for the School Building Program Assistance Fund, $400 million for the Public Works Commission Local Public Infrastructure and State Capital Improvement Program, $397.6 million for higher education projects across the state, and $250 million for local jail construction in Ohio.

The Strategic Community Investment Fund was established in the state's main operating budget last year and utilizes excess funding from the previous fiscal year. Thanks to conservative fiscal stewardship, the Ohio House was able to allocate this excess funding to projects that will drive the state forward.

It is important to note that the Cincinnati Open Tennis Tournament was previously known as the Western & Southern Open Tennis Tournament. The newly secured funding will be incorporated into the greater State Capital Budget bill, a two-year construction budget for capital projects.

With this additional funding secured by Mathews, the Cincinnati Open Tennis Tournament can continue to grow and thrive, solidifying Ohio's position as a premier destination for world-class sporting events.