By Spencer Hunt
Enquirer Columbus Bureau

COLUMBUS - Lawmakers would send Hamilton County more than $17.1 million in state funds for construction in a bill to be introduced in the House today.

Documents prepared by majority House Republicans show the state's two-year construction budget will include $10 million to help build the Cincinnati Reds Hall of Fame, part of the county's multimillion-dollar effort to build new stadiums for the city's professional baseball and football teams.

The National Underground Railroad Freedom Center would receive the second largest amount, $4 million to help fund its construction.

Other county projects that would receive state money include $1.6 million for Cincinnati Museum Center expansion, and $500,000 each to the Cincinnati Symphony for work on the Riverbend Music Center and to Colerain Township officials to improve a park.

The Raymond Walters Veterinary College would receive $400,000 and the Harrison Tomb project in Harrison would get $149,500.

The state's two-year capital budget, which authorizes more than $1 billion in spending for state construction projects, typically includes millions for local projects across Ohio.

Hamilton County officials had asked for $24 million for stadium work. The Cincinnati Museum Center and the Symphony Orchestra submitted requests to lawmakers totaling $3 million apiece.

The capital budget is expected to pass the House and Senate this month.

E-mail shunt@enquirer.com