Oelslager Holds Press Conference on Legislation to Continue the State Capital Improvement Program

COLUMBUS-State Rep. Scott Oelslager (R-North Canton) today held a press conference on soon-to-be introduced legislation to provide Ohio voters the opportunity to renew the State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP), which provides funding for local, critical infrastructure projects throughout Ohio. Oelslager held the press conference alongside his joint sponsor, State Rep. Daniel Troy (D-Willowick).

Administered by the Ohio Public Works Commission, Oelslager and Troy sponsored the original legislation that created the program in 1987. SCIP is currently scheduled to sunset on July 1, 2026, and this resolution aims to continue the program for another 10 years.

"It has been an honor to watch the State Capital Improvement Program grow, flourish, and positively impact all four corners of our great state over the past 37 years," said Oelslager. "Investing in critical infrastructure spurs economic development and continues to make Ohio the best place to work, live, and raise a family."

"As original co-sponsors of the legislation that created this very popular program, often referred to as the Issue 2 Public Works Program, we plan to introduce the necessary resolution to ask the voters to renew the constitutional authorization necessary to continue this program for another 10 years," said Troy. "This is too important and beneficial of a program to allow it to miss its reauthorization date."

"Since the inception of this program in 1987, there have been more than 19,000 grants and loans distributed for critical infrastructure benefitting all 88 counties," said Linda Bailiff, Director of the Ohio Public Works Commission. "These projects provide for the health and safety of our citizens, retain and create infrastructure jobs, keep Ohio competitive, and guarantee the use of Ohio products, services, and labor whenever possible."

Once the legislation is formally introduced, it will receive a resolution number and House committee assignment.