Issue 2 could determine fate of Ohio's roadways

Yahoo

02-05-2025

DAYTON, Ohio (WDTN) — Next week, Ohio voters will decide whether or not to continue to provide funds to local jurisdictions for infrastructure improvement.
2 NEWS spoke with local engineers and representatives on how Issue 2 could help improve roads, water systems and more — and what could happen if it does not pass.
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Issue 2 is not a new tax — rather, it can be viewed as an extension of previously approved bond measures aimed at helping local jurisdictions continue to improve their infrastructure.
Officials say this funding is critical to improving the state of Ohio.
'It shows, you know, this is a place that can be invested in,' said David Escobar, City of Dayton engineer.
Escobar says the flow of funds that could continue with Issue 2's passage can help the city improve streets, water lines, sewer projects and more, which also leads to making downtown Dayton more desirable for families and businesses.
'I think the continued effort in improving our infrastructure, making it better, making it more resilient, I think it'll help us in that regard,' said Escobar. 'It's also supported, you know, development projects that we've had throughout the area.'
A similar sentiment is shared by the Montgomery County Engineer. He says that not only Montgomery County but the state of Ohio could have to shift their focus if this issue does not pass.
'So if this doesn't pass, everybody in Montgomery County should expect to see less capital improvement,' said Andy Shahan, Montgomery County engineer. 'I mean, the money that we're collecting off revenues would have to be focused on maintaining what we have.'
And the importance of continuing the improvement to Ohio's roadways is shared by local state representatives.
'We know what it's like to have a crumbling infrastructure,' said State Rep. Desiree Tims (D-Dayton). 'I feel like in Ohio, we finally got to a position where we have decent roads again and we want to make sure we can continue to keep our roads in decent condition. That includes our bridges. That includes making sure we have the people who are empowered and able to work on these projects as well.'
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Several local governments count on the money that comes with this issue passing.
'These plans are vital to townships, villages, cities and counties throughout the state,' said Scott Coleman, County Engineers Association of Ohio president and Logan County engineer.
Coleman says Ohio resident's day-to-day routines are always impacted by these funds.
'I would say every citizen in Ohio has been impacted by this program,' said Coleman. 'Whether they realize it or not, they probably either had a water sewer project or a storm water project or some road that they have driven on that they may not have realized was paid for by this program.'
Coleman also says that the passage of this issue would also lead to maintaining and creating new jobs for workers to enact these capital improvements.
Issue 2 will be on the ballot on May 6. To learn more about the May primary election, click here.
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