Ohio voters likely will get to decide on continuing infrastructure program

(The Center Square) – Ohio voters could be asked to renew for the fourth time a state bond program that grants taxpayer funds to local communities for infrastructure projects.

Reps. Daniel Troy, D-Willowick, and Scott Oelslager, R-North Canton, plan to introduce legislation to continue funding what they call vital public works projects.

It would call for a vote to renew the State Capital Improvement Program for another 10 years.

“As original co-sponsors of the legislation that created this very popular program, often referred to as the Issue 2 Public Works Program, we plan to introduce the necessary resolution to ask the voters to renew the constitutional authorization necessary to continue this program for another 10 years," Troy said. "This is too important and beneficial of a program to allow it to miss its reauthorization date.”

The program began in 1987 and was renewed in 1995, 2005 and 2014, allowing the state to use general revenues as debt support to issue general obligation bonds up to $175 million from 2017-21. That grew to $200 million for fiscal years 2022-2026.

Counties, cities, villages, townships and water and sanitary districts can apply for grants, loans, loan assistance or debt support for improvements to roads, bridges, culverts, water supply systems, wastewater systems, storm water collection systems, and solid waste disposal facilities.

Since the beginning, 19,000 grants and loans have been distributed to all 88 counties across the state.

Supporters say if voters approve the renewal, the program will create about 35,000 new construction jobs.

“It has been an honor to watch the State Capital Improvement Program grow, flourish, and positively impact all four corners of our great state over the past 37 years," Oelslager said. "Investing in critical infrastructure spurs economic development and continues to make Ohio the best place to work, live, and raise a family.”