CHILLICOTHE, Ohio — Ohio’s State Capital Improvement Program, which has funded over 18,000 infrastructure projects since 1987, faces a critical vote in May as Ohioans decide whether to extend the program and raise its spending cap through Issue 2. The voter-approved initiative, backed by general obligation bonds, has supported roads, bridges, and water systems across the state, including in southern Ohio communities like Chillicothe and Waverly.
Issue 2 would increase the annual bond cap from $200 million to $250 million, totaling $2.5 billion over the next decade. The program enables municipalities, counties, and townships to apply for funds to build essential infrastructure such as sewage treatment systems, stormwater collection, and landfills. Since its start, it has completed 18,858 projects, often leveraging additional local, state, and federal dollars, according to Ohio Public Works Commission Director Linda Bailiff.
In southern Ohio, the program has been a lifeline for public works and job creation. In Chillicothe, past funding has supported upgrades to the city’s water supply system, including new pipelines and treatment facilities, creating jobs for construction workers, engineers, and maintenance crews. Similarly, Waverly has benefited from road and bridge repairs, such as improvements along State Route 220, employing local laborers, equipment operators, and asphalt workers. These projects not only enhance infrastructure but also sustain roles in trucking, concrete production, and environmental monitoring.
A “yes” vote on Issue 2 would ensure continued investment without raising taxes, as bond repayments are already part of the state’s budget, proponents say. The measure enjoys broad bipartisan support, with only five Republican lawmakers opposing it last year when House Joint Resolution 8 passed. Groups like the Ohio Chamber of Commerce, Ohio Municipal League, and the Strong Ohio Communities Coalition back the initiative, highlighting its role in maintaining safe, functional communities.
A “no” vote would halt the program after mid-2025, ending new bond issuances and potentially stalling projects. Critics, including the Grassroots Freedom Initiative led by former U.S. Senate candidate Mark Pukita, call it a “stealth bond issue” and argue against increasing state debt.
Ohio’s ballot numbering system, revamped last year to avoid confusion, ensures Issue 2 stands alone this May, with no competing Issue 1. If approved, the program could reach Issue 500 before resetting, securing decades of public works—and jobs—for regions like southern Ohio.