Infrastructure Improvement Resolution Passes Ohio House

The Ohio House of Representatives today passed with wide bipartisan support legislation that authorizes nearly $2 billion in funding for infrastructure improvement projects across the state.

Senate Joint Resolution 6 puts before voters a ballot initiative to renew funding for the Ohio Public Works Commission (PWC). The PWC provides financing for local government infrastructure improvements such as roads, bridges, solid waste disposal, water supply, storm water collection and waste water treatment. The renewal of these bonds, which will be put before voters on the May ballot, would authorize $1.875 billion of funding over 10 years without raising taxes on Ohioans.

“This resolution provides Ohio with an opportunity to meet and improve upon our infrastructure needs, which are so important to each and every Ohioan. Hard work and cooperation from the House, Senate and the governor helped to move this process along so that it can be assessed by the voters later this year,” Speaker of the Ohio House William G. Batchelder said.

Under the program, grants or loans for local governments are available for up to 90 percent for repair or replacement projects, and up to 50 percent for new or expansion projects.

The Ohio Public Works Commission was created in 1987 after being approved by voters as an amendment to the Ohio Constitution and has twice been reauthorized by voters. Since that time, it has provided more than $3 billion in assistance to local governments for infrastructure projects. The program’s current bonding authority is set to expire soon.