Submitted release-

 (4-8-25) Since 1987, the State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP) has provided critical funding in all 88 Ohio counties to build and repair local roads, bridges, and other vital infrastructure – without raising taxes.

State Issue 2, on the May 6th statewide ballot seeks to renew this important program.

Over the years, the SCIP has created and sustained tens of thousands of construction jobs throughout the state.  In the past decade alone, the program has awarded $2.3 billion to 1,084 local governments for 4,490 projects benefitting communities across all 88 Ohio counties.

Here in Mercer County, the SCIP has supported over 36 infrastructure improvement projects since 2014.

One of the virtues of the SCIP is the unique nature of how the funds are allocated.  Each year the funds are allocated among 19districts and decisions are made by a committee of local leaders appointed by local governments.  Issue 2, like its four voter-approved predecessors, empowers a community’s leaders to make local decisions about local needs, as opposed to those decisions being made in Columbus.

As it has been for almost 40 years, State Issue 2 is smart policy for Ohio communities, for their taxpayers, and for local officials striving to address needs for facilities that boost communities’ safety, health, traffic-flow and sanitation.

Ohio voters have overwhelmingly approved the program three times since its inception nearly 40 years ago, most recently in 2014 with 65% of the vote.  A Yes on Issue 2 vote will ensure we can continue critical infrastructure repairs and improvements in the years ahead.

Issue 2 has broad support among business, labor, transportation, public safety, and local government leaders.  And for good reason – its renewal plays a key role in our community’s future prosperity.

This May 6th, please consider the importance of State Issue 2.

James A. Wiechart, P.E., P.S.

Mercer County Engineer