COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio voters agreed to reauthorize a program on Tuesday that will provide $2.5 billion for roads, bridges and other needed local infrastructure projects over the next decade.
State Issue 2 called for the renewal of the Ohio Capital Improvement Program, which was first authorized in 1987. Administered by the Ohio Public Works Commission, it relies on existing state revenues as opposed to raising taxes.
Under the measure, up to $250 million of the total general obligation bonds authorized can be issued each year over 10 years, creating an estimated 35,000 construction jobs.
The Strong Ohio Communities Coalition, a gathering of business, labor and civic organizations supported the measure, which attracted no significant opposition.
Though it was listed on the ballot as Issue 2, Tuesday's ballot measure was the first and only statewide issue to appear. That's the result of a new numbering system approved by state lawmakers after the elections of 2023 and 2024 featured several ballot issues timed close together and called either Issue 1 or Issue 2. Ohio's next statewide ballot question will be labeled Issue 3.
RELATED: Here's what Issue 2 on Ohio's ballot means
