Bill would create program to invest in infrastructure

State Rep. John Rogers has introduced a bill he said will invest in local infrastructure.

The bill would create the Restore Ohio program, which according to its backers would “invest in local infrastructure projects to restore Ohio roads and bridges, fix aging water and sewer systems and update the state’s outdated infrastructure.”

Restore Ohio would also invest $1 billion in state Rainy Day funds to provide low-interest loans and grants to local governments to “rebuild and modernize Ohio’s aging infrastructure.”

Rogers, a Mentor-on-theLake Democrat, is sponsoring the bill along with fellow Democrat Jack Cera of Bellaire.

The sponsors said Restore Ohio would “incrementally leverage up to $1 billion dollars over a five-year period from the state’s Rainy Day fund, making those dollars available to communities in the form of low- or zero-interest loans.” Additionally, 50 percent of the investment earning from the Rainy Day Fund would be made available to local communities.

They said as loans are repaid, money would be returned back to the Rainy Day Fund, ensuring its longterm solvency. Any interest collected would be utilized for future grants to communities.

The lawmakers pointed to the 2017 report from the American Society of Civil Engineers, which stated Ohioans spend $475 a year in extra vehicle maintenance costs associated with run-down roads. The report also found 17 percent of the state’s roadways are considered in poor condition and almost 2,000 Ohio bridges are structurally deficient.

Rogers said in a statement a strong economy is built on strong infrastructure.

“Fortune 500 companies and mom and pop shops alike depend on reliable transportation and access to utilities to grow their businesses,” he said. “The people of Ohio have placed their faith in us to foster an economic environment that provides opportunity to all our citizens.”

The bill has been sent to the House Finance Committee for further consideration.