Two Ohio state lawmakers are hoping voters will again approve a budget increase for a program that helps keep roads, bridges, and other infrastructure projects from falling into disrepair, The Toledo Blade reports. The Ohio Public Works Commission administers the State Capital Improvement Program, which is “sometimes the only funding” local governments have “to address some of those things that fall into deterioration over the years,” including bridges, roads, sewer systems, water and other public works projects, Rep. Scott Oelslager (R., North Canton) said in the article. Oelslager and Rep. Daniel Troy (D., Willlowick) are sponsoring a House resolution to add a ballot initiative that would increase the program’s $200 million annual budget to $250 million. Troy attributed the need for more money to “increased construction inflation seen in recent years.” The last budget increase was in 2014.
The program “has provided 19,000 loans and grants over the years, money that is also used for culverts, stormwater collection, and solid waste disposal facilities.” Voters have “renewed and expanded the size of the program each decade” since it was established in 1987. Troy said the proposed ballot initiative “does not involve any increase” in local or state taxation. Oelslager said it’s “crystal clear that this has been such a benefit to the people of Ohio and the local governments” and noted “the public has been very supportive of the program.” For more, read the full article (subscription may be required).
