Ohio Issue 2, the Local Public Infrastructure Bond Amendment, is on the ballot to allow the state to issue up to $2.5 million in general obligation bonds to help support local infrastructure improvements if passed May 6.
The general obligation bonds would be limited to $250 million per year for 10 years and would fund the State Capital Improvement Program. The SCIP, through the Ohio Public Works Commission, assists local governments through loans, loan assistance, debt support and grants for public infrastructure projects.
The amendment allocates 56.7% of funding for roads, 18.3% for water supply, 13.9% for wastewater management, 6.8% for bridges and culverts and 4.3% for stormwater utilities.
According to a certified explanation of Issue 2 from the Ohio Ballot Board, the amendment will “ensure the public health, safety, and welfare, and create and preserve jobs, enhance employment opportunities, and improve the economic welfare of the people of Ohio by improving public infrastructure.”
One key argument in favor of the issue is the lack of a tax increase.
“We have to make it very clear, no, this does not involve your local property taxes, this does not involve your income taxes,” Rep. Dan Troy (D-Willowick) said to the Statehouse News Bureau.
Sen. Hearcel Craig (D-Columbus) said although the funding is not new, it is important to support the systems Ohioans rely on each day.
“It is crucial we find ways to support local public works projects in Ohio that will not only improve the quality of our communities but also create economic growth and provide new job opportunities for Ohio workers,” Craig said to WTVG.
Ohio lawmakers say this amendment could provide 35,000 construction jobs.
At the March 17 City Council meeting, Mayor Steve Patterson urged the Council to consider supporting tax-free municipal bonds to support local infrastructure projects, “saving the citizens of Athens lots of money by having something like that.”
Past tax-free municipal bonds were used for the Athens City swimming pool, the new fire station headquarters and the parking garage. The Issue 2 amendment could help further support infrastructure projects in Athens.
Infrastructure projects selected for funding are chosen by 19 regional public works integrating committees consisting of local officials from all levels of government.
