Vote for a clean Ohio

While two high-profile statewide ballot issues — one pertaining to payday loans and the other to a casino/hotel project — have attracted much public chatter for and against, the “Continue Clean Ohio” initiative has been largely out of the spotlight.

There are several reasons for that: State Issue 2 continues a program that has been in existence since 2001. It is not controversial, enjoys widespread bipartisan support, will not raise taxes and is supported with a record of accomplishments.

Backing for this important program that has funneled more than $9 million to Mahoning, Trumbull and Columbiana counties is essential.

Passage of Issue 2 would renew a bond program that enables the state to generate millions from private investors. The target is $400 million, with the money being divided into four programs: brownfield assessment, clean up and development; open space and natural areas conservation; farmland preservation; and, recreational trails.

In the seven years Clean Ohio has been in existence, 173 polluted, abandoned industrial sites in Ohio have been cleaned up and redeveloped, 20,000 acres of family farms have been protected, 26,000 acres of wildlife habitat have been preserved and 216 miles of new trails developed.

Little wonder that Democratic and Republican officeholders in Columbus and around the state are urging continuation of this program.

Private dollars

The politicians are particularly pleased that the money spent by the state generates private dollars. For instance, in Youngstown, $750,000 was used to remove asbestos and to demolish five buildings, clearing the way for the construction of the Taft Technology Center. The center is now the world headquarters of Turning Technologies, one of the fastest growing high-tech companies in the country.

In Sebring, $1.1 million was used for remediation and demolition of Royal Sebring Properties, a former pottery manufacturing site.

In Howland Township, $578,469 was used to purchase 119 acres of land for the expansion of Howland Township Wildfire Preserve and Howland Township Park.

And, $400,000 was allocated for the East Palestine Community Walking/Bicycle Trail project. It connects to an existing trail.

“We’re talking about continuing a successful program,” Youngstown Mayor Jay Williams has said about passage of State Issue 2.

Like all such state and federal programs, there is a correlation between how aggressively a community or a region pursues grants and other funding, and the approval rate.

Unless there is some last-minute opposition to State Issue 2, passage seems assured. It will then be up to local governments and development officials to come up with projects that meet the criteria established by the state.