(The Center Square) – Ohio voters will get the chance in May to decide if they want to continue spending taxpayer dollars to provide loans and grants to local governments for road, bridge and other projects.
The state House and Senate passed House Joint Resolution 8 and Senate Joint Resolution 4, which call for a constitutional amendment that asks voters to reauthorize the State Capital Improvement Program at the Ohio Public Works Commission.
“I am thankful that the General Assembly has moved swiftly to pass this vital legislation,” said Sen. Hearcel Craig, D-Columbus. “In May, voters will have the opportunity to reauthorize this popular program, as they have over the last 37 years. The funding from this program helps ensure that municipalities and water sanitary districts across Ohio are able to maintain their basic infrastructure needs.”
The program provides low-interest loans and grants to local governments for projects involving roads and bridges, freshwater treatment and distribution systems, wastewater collection and treatment facilities, storm sewer systems, and solid waste disposal facilities.
The State Capital Improvement Program was created in 1987 and renewed in 1995, 2005 and 2014 by voters with bipartisan support.
The joint resolution must now be filed with the secretary of state before appearing on the ballot in May. If approved by voters, it would authorize $250 million per year, totaling $2.5 billion over the 10-year period from fiscal year 2027 to 2036.
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,” said Rep. Scott Oelslager, R-North Canton. “Investing in critical infrastructure spurs economic development and continues to make Ohio the best place to work, live, and raise a family.”
