Craig Commends Passage of Resolution to Reauthorize the State Capital Improvement Program

Today, state Senator Hearcel F. Craig (D-Columbus) and state Senator Brian Chavez (R-Marietta) celebrated the Ohio Senate’s passage of Senate Joint Resolution 4, which urges voters to renew the State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP) at the Ohio Public Works Commission. 

“The projects funded by this popular program help maintain the most fundamental operations of our state and ensure that basic infrastructure needs are met for counties, cities, villages, townships, and water sanitary districts across the state,” said Craig. “I hope this essential bipartisan legislation continues to move swiftly to entrust voters with the ultimate responsibility to sustain this program just as they have done for the past 37 years.”

S.J.R. 4 is a constitutional amendment that would ask voters to reauthorize the State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP). SCIP provides low-interest loans and grants to local governments for projects involving roads and bridges, freshwater treatment and distribution systems, wastewater collection and treatment facilities, storm sewer systems, and solid waste disposal facilities. 

"The SCIP has been a highly successful program for decades," said Chavez. "It has funded thousands of critical projects at the local level and Ohioans have seen improvement in public health, safety, and welfare. These projects also improve economic development as they create and preserve jobs and enhance employment opportunities. I look forward to seeing this program continue." 

SCIP was created in 1987 and renewed in 1995, 2005, and 2014 by voters with broad bipartisan support. S.J.R. 4 would place the issue on the ballot in May 2025. If approved by voters, it would authorize $250 million per year, totaling $2.5 billion over the 10-year period from fiscal year 2027-2036.

S.J.R. 4 now heads to the Ohio House of Representatives for consideration.