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Reps. Kunze, Brown Introduce Resolution to Renew Funding for Local Governments, Infrastructure

January 9, 2014
Republican Newsroom

State Representatives Stephanie Kunze (R-Hilliard) and Tim Brown (R-Bowling Green) recently introduced House Joint Resolution 9, which seeks to reauthorize 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. Specifically, the resolution would continue operations of PWC’s State Capital Improvement Program, Small Government Program, and the Emergency Program.

“House Joint Resolution 9 renews and strengthens a program that has benefited the state of Ohio by authorizing the PWC to continue providing much-needed assistance to our communities by keeping our roadways, bridges and water supply safe,” said Rep. Kunze. “This is a solid investment in Ohio and the jobs that will ultimately be created through these local projects. I encourage the General Assembly to move quickly on this important resolution.”

House Joint Resolution 9 calls for a 10-year renewal of the program and $1.875 billion in financing for this program, which accounts for an increase in annual funding from $150 million to $175 million in the first five years and $200 million in the last five years. Once the Ohio House and the Ohio Senate approve of the resolution, the proposal will be put before Ohio’s voters on the 2014 primary ballot.

“Ensuring the safety of our citizens by properly maintaining our roads, bridges, and other important public infrastructure is a primary responsibility we have to our citizens,” said Rep. Brown. “I am pleased to sponsor this bill which will bring the matter back before Ohio voters for consideration.”

The Ohio Public Works Commission was created in 1987 and has provided more than $3 billion in assistance to local governments for infrastructure projects.

The House Finance and Appropriations Committee yesterday held the initial hearing on House Resolution 9. A companion resolution to House Joint Resolution 9—Senate Joint Resolution 6—was introduced by Senators Kevin Bacon (R-Minerva Park) and Gayle Manning (R-North Ridgeville) in December.