 "Local leaders urge support of multimillion infrastructure program")
OHIO — Local leaders are seeking support for Issue 2 on the May ballot coming later this year.
The Strong Ohio Communities coalition is looking to renew the State Capital Improvement Program, funded by Ohio Public Works.
Through the issue, approximately $250 million per year that would go toward funding the next decade’s local infrastructure projects.
“A ‘Yes’ vote on Issue 2 is a vote to strengthen the future of our state and its communities,” said Logan County Engineer Scott Coleman, on behalf of Strong Ohio Communities. “The State Capital Improvement Program has a long and proven track record of success — funding vital roadway improvements and critical water safety projects across all 88 counties. Issue 2’s broad support from local elected officials, business leaders, and labor groups mirrors the nearly unanimous bipartisan support the General Assembly gave in agreeing to place the renewal issue before voters on the May 6 ballot.”
Government leaders said it would raise the quality of life and create 35,000 jobs across the state.
Bryan Dhume, Madison County Engineer, said one storm sewer project underway in London, Ohio is one example of where the millions of dollars are spent by Ohio Public Works.
“I’ve been in the road and bridge industry for 28, 29 years started working for the county when I was 17-years-old right out of high school,” Dhume said. “This program provides vital funding for not only sewer projects like you have behind us but road and bridge projects as well.”
Ten years ago, the Public Works Commission State Capital Program awarded $200 million per year, but this year leaders are seeking another $50 million.
Dhume said it would shock people if they knew how much infrastructure they maintain on how little money.
“We’re responsible for 342 centerline miles of road and over 180 bridges and we do that on a budget of $6.25 million annually,” Dhume said.
The program started in 1987, and since then voters have re-authorized it three times over the last 40 years.
Rex Castle is the safety service director for the city of London said this sewer project for example is estimated to cost $2.5 million.
“The OPW money, or funding, which is comprised of both grants and zero interest loans usually, the city’s and municipalities rely on those funds to do major projects,” Castle said. “The city didn’t have those funds so we were able to use OPW grants and loans to get this accomplished.”
Dhume shared a completed street resurfacing and bridge replacement project that cost $2 million. London was able to complete the project by only using Ohio Public Works Commission funding, with a $1.1 million grant and a $300,000 loan.
He said the project was done in 2017.
This program doesn’t increase taxes, Dhume said, it’s paid with bonds and it will be on the ballot for voters on May 6.
“All of our friends and family and our neighbors use these roads and bridges, and we rely on good drainage,” Dhume said. “That’s my hope that we can have good infrastructure and in good condition.”