By 1812Blockhouse
At its last meeting, Shelby City Council approved Resolution 9-2025, formally supporting State Issue 2, which proposes the renewal of the State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP) on the May 6 statewide ballot. The program, a long-standing state-local partnership, funds infrastructure improvements across Ohio and plays a vital role in community development without raising taxes.
Decades of State-Local Partnership
Established in 1987, the State Capital Improvement Program has provided more than $7 billion in funding for local projects over nearly 40 years. This funding has supported the repair and development of roads, bridges, water systems, wastewater treatment, and stormwater infrastructure across all 88 counties in Ohio. The program operates through state-issued bonds and requires renewal via constitutional amendment roughly once every ten years.
Significant Impact on Shelby
The City of Shelby has received $5,413,501 in SCIP funding to date. These resources have supported numerous infrastructure projects, directly improving transportation safety, public health, and utility service reliability within the community. Past projects have included street improvements and essential utility system upgrades.
As shared by City Project Coordinator Joe Gies, this is a “very, very wonderful program,” and is “one of the easiest grant monies to spend. We work through Regional Planning; all the cities work well together.”
No Tax Increase Required
The renewal of SCIP will not result in a tax increase. The program is funded through the issuance of state bonds, repaid using existing state revenues. Without renewal, the current program authorization will expire on July 1, 2025, potentially disrupting future infrastructure projects in Shelby and other communities across Ohio.
Countywide and Statewide Benefits
Richland County has received $58 million in SCIP funding since the program’s inception, contributing to over $177 million in local infrastructure investments. Regionally, funds have been distributed across municipalities and townships, improving essential services and supporting long-term community resilience.
Council Urges Community Support
With the adoption of Resolution 9-2025, the Shelby City Council formally encourages residents to support State Issue 2 at the ballot box on May 6, 2025. The resolution highlights the program’s proven success and continued importance in meeting local infrastructure needs efficiently and cost-effectively.
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