Ohio Voters Approve $2.5 Billion Infrastructure Renewal Program
By Lauren Kent
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio voters have overwhelmingly supported the renewal of a key infrastructure initiative, approving State Issue 2 on Tuesday. The measure will provide $2.5 billion in funding for roads, bridges, and other critical local infrastructure projects across the state over the next decade.
The Ohio Capital Improvement Program, first authorized in 1987, will be extended under the new measure. Administered by the Ohio Public Works Commission, the program is designed to address the state’s infrastructure needs without raising taxes, relying instead on existing state revenues.
The renewal allows for the issuance of up to $250 million in general obligation bonds each year, over a period of 10 years. This funding is expected to create an estimated 35,000 construction jobs statewide, boosting Ohio’s economy and improving essential infrastructure that benefits local communities.
The proposal received widespread backing from a diverse coalition of business, labor, and civic organizations, known as the Strong Ohio Communities Coalition. Supporters emphasized the long-term benefits of investing in infrastructure, particularly in terms of job creation and the overall health of Ohio’s economy. The measure attracted little opposition and was seen as a necessary step in maintaining the state’s aging infrastructure.
This ballot issue was the first statewide question to appear under Ohio’s new ballot numbering system, which was implemented following the confusion of having multiple issues labeled as Issue 1 or Issue 2 in the 2023 and 2024 elections. As a result, future statewide ballot questions, such as the next one, will be numbered sequentially starting with Issue 3.
The approval of State Issue 2 signals a continued commitment to strengthening Ohio’s infrastructure and ensuring that the state is well-positioned for future growth. With construction jobs on the horizon and vital projects set to begin, the renewal promises to have a significant impact on local economies across the state.
