Ashtabula County Leaders Urge Support for Ohio Issue 2 on the May Ballot

The Ashtabula County Board of Commissioners and County Engineer are encouraging residents to support Ohio Issue 2 on the upcoming May 6, 2025 ballot. If approved, Issue 2 will renew the Ohio Public Works Commission's (OPWC) State Capital Improvements Program (SCIP), which provides critical funding for local infrastructure projects across the state, including right here in Ashtabula County.

The renewal of this program will not increase taxes and will allow counties, townships, cities, and villages to continue accessing state support for essential road, bridge, water, and sewer projects. In just the past ten years, more than 100 projects in Ashtabula County have benefited from this program-many of which would not have been possible without this funding. The bonds will be repaid using state general revenues that have already been set aside.

"For over 35 years, the OPWC program has helped communities in Ashtabula County improve roads and public infrastructure without placing additional burdens on local taxpayers," said Board President J. P. Ducro IV. "Voting yes on Issue 2 is a vote for improvements to roads, bridges, and water/wastewater facilities that communities could never afford to accomplish on their own."

Commissioner Kathryn Whittington added, "This renewal is about protecting the progress we've made and continuing to move Ashtabula County forward. These funds help us deliver real results in our communities-from safe roads for school buses to reliable water systems for our residents."

Commissioner Casey Kozlowski emphasized the broad, bipartisan support for Issue 2. "This is not a political issue-it's a practical one. Local governments of all sizes rely on this funding. It's a proven program that works, and it's time to renew it once again."

Ashtabula County Engineer Tim Martin, who also serves as the Chair of District 7 of the Ohio Public Works Commission, underscored the importance of continued funding by stating "the OPWC program is vital to our ability to plan and execute infrastructure improvements at the local level. With these dollars, we've been able to stretch local budgets further, prioritize safety, and keep our infrastructure in good working condition."

Since its inception, the State Capital Improvements Program has provided more than $4.5 billion in matching grants and loans to local governments across Ohio. In Ashtabula County alone, the program has funded dozens of projects that directly impact residents' daily lives.

The Board of Commissioners and County Engineer urge all voters to participate in the May 7 election and to vote YES on Issue 2 to ensure this valuable program continues to serve Ohio communities for years to come.

### Media Contact:
Ashtabula County Board of Commissioners
(440) 576-3750
commissioners@ashtabulacounty.us