SHELBY — The City of Shelby has received more than $5 million in grant funds through the State Capital Improvement Program since its inception in 1987.
The city has used those funds — approximately $5,413,501 — for road and infrastructure projects which have “significantly improved the quality of life and safety” for Shelby residents, according to legislation passed Monday by City Council.
SCIP is a partnership program between state and local government that funds infrastructure projects in communities throughout Ohio.
Funding for the program is dependent upon an amendment to the state’s constitution about every decade and has been approved by voters three times since its creation.
When voters cast their ballot during the upcoming May 6 primary election, they’ll have an opportunity to vote on State Issue 2 — which is the renewal of SCIP.
According to Ballotpedia, the amendment would “authorize a $2.5 billion general obligation bond, limited to $250 million per year over 10 years, to fund the State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP) through the Ohio Public Works Commission.”
On Monday evening, Shelby City Council passed a resolution offering its support of the state issue.
Approving State Issue 2 would not increase taxes, according to the Ohio Secretary of State website.
“Funds to repay project bonds are already built into state budget planning, so Issue 2 won’t increase your taxes,” the website says.
SCIP is a ‘wonderful program,’ says Shelby project coordinator
For nearly four decades, SCIP has provided over $7 billion for improvements to Ohio’s roads and bridges, as well as local wastewater treatment, water supply and stormwater infrastructure in all 88 counties, according to Monday’s legislation.
“It (SCIP) is a very, very wonderful program,” said Shelby Project Coordinator Joe Gies. “It’s one of the easier grant monies to spend.
“The money has been distributed throughout the county very well I think,” he said. “I surely hope to encourage everyone to vote for it because it’s a very, very wonderful program that the state provides for us.”
Shelby Mayor Steve Schag said it’s important to educate voters that approving State Issue 2 would not increase taxes.
He said it’s a positive thing to be able to tap into the statewide resource for large infrastructure improvement projects.
May primary election information
Voter registration for the May 6 primary election concluded Monday evening.
Early absentee voting will begin Tuesday, according to the Richland County Board of Elections.
On May 6, polls will be open across the state from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m., according to the Ohio Secretary of State website. If not returned by mail, absentee ballots must be received by the board of elections by 7:30 p.m.
For a full list of the candidates, questions and issues on the May primary ballot, visit the Richland County Board of Elections website.