DevelopOhio

Ohio Senate Minority Leader Joe Schiavoni (D-Boardman) wants to improve the state’s water quality and create jobs with a $1 billion bond program that he proposed in Senate Joint Resolution 3 (SJR 3), Gongwer Ohio reports. If SJR 3 passes the General Assembly and is approved by voters, it would allow the General Assembly to grant up to $100 million in state bonds “to preserve and expand sewer and water systems across the state” each fiscal year for the next 10 years. That money could be used “for acquisition, construction, reconstruction, expansion, improvement, planning or equipping costs related to wastewater treatment systems; water supply systems; and storm water and sanitary collection, storage and treatment facilities.” While the resolution may seem to provide similar funding opportunities available under the Ohio Public Works Commission’s State Capital Improvements Program, Sen. Schiavoni said most of that money goes to roads and bridges, with only a small percentage used for the water projects “that are in desperate need of upgrade.” The proposal would lead to economic growth through not only the jobs created by the projects, but also by making Ohio more attractive to businesses and residents who consider locating here, he said. To read the full resolution, click here.