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Ohio 4-Hers are one large step closer to a new home, thanks to the capital bill passed by the Ohio Legislature and signed by the governor.

The bill includes $1.5 million for the Nationwide and Ohio Farm Bureau 4-H Center, bringing fund raising for the center to $12.3 million of the $12.6 million goal, said Jeff King, assistant director of Ohio State University Extension in charge of Ohio 4-H Youth Development.

King said he believes the funding will allow construction of the center to begin this summer.

"We are extremely thankful for the support we received from former Senate President Doug White and Senators Bill Harris and Joy Padgett, and House Rep. Chuck Calvert in this process," said Keith Smith, associate vice president of Agricultural Administration and director of OSU Extension. "We're excited about what this means for OSU Extension, Ohio 4-H members and 4-H volunteers."

The fund-raising drive was launched in 2000. Nationwide Foundation and the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation have donated gifts and pledges totaling $6 million toward the center. OFBF pledged $1.5 million; so far $1,050,000 has been paid toward the commitment. County Farm Bureaus pledged a total of $291,870. Additionally $21,500 was raised through the Ohio Farm Bureau Leadership Circle, a group of donors who made commitments at the $1,000 level.

About 300,000 youths and 37,000 volunteers in Ohio are involved in Ohio 4-H clubs and programs.