Rep's Corner

We are fortunate that at the dawn of the new century, most of Ohio’s economy is strong and growing. Our unemployment rate is down. Our gross state product is rising. And family income is up. But some areas of our state are not fully sharing in the prosperity. And this must change.

In his most recent State of the State Address, Governor Bob Taft discussed an initiative for urban revitalization and environmental preservation. This week Representative Jim Mettler (R-Toledo) and myself took the first step to create Ohio’s Conservation and Revitalization Fund just for this purpose.

House Joint Resolution 15 would provide a permanent, dedicated fund to improve the quality of life for all Ohioans through community-directed investments. Ohio’s Conservation and Revitalization Fund would be used to stimulate economic development by cleaning up abandoned and contaminated properties and revitalizing urban areas to create new, high-quality jobs and investments. Additional investments would preserve green space and farmland, protect rivers, lakes and water-supply resources, and expand outdoor recreational opportunities.

HJR 15 would be placed on the November ballot for approval by Ohio voters. The fund, if approved, is not a new tax or levy, and it would not require an increase in taxes. Funding would come through the sale of bonds, up to a maximum of $400 million at any one time. Thanks to low interest rates, a strong economy and Ohio’s excellent bond rating, bonds would be repaid over time with existing state revenues.

As proposed, the fund would provide a total of $400 million over the next four years, with continuing investments as older bonds are retired or as community loans are repaid. From these initial investments, it is proposed that a total of $200 million would be allocated for the cleanup of abandoned and contaminated sites and other urban revitalization initiatives. The other $200 million would be used to preserve green space and farmland, and help to expand a system of statewide recreational trails to link Ohio’s parks.

If voters approve the bond issue, the General Assembly would then pass separate legislation to outline details, such as how and to whom this funding would be allocated.
The fund would be used to stimulate economic development and revitalize urban areas by cleaning up and redeveloping abandoned, contaminated sites. As a result, communities would strengthen their tax bases, attract substantial private investments and increase employment where economic revitalization is most needed.

As proposed, the fund would initially invest in state and local efforts to preserve and protect green space, including farmland, river corridors, forests, wetlands and other natural areas throughout Ohio. For example, through easements or acquisition from willing sellers, and based on community-based decisions, the fund would ensure that our children and future families would have access to the use and enjoyment of Ohio’s natural environment in urban and rural settings. In addition, the fund’s investments into clean-up efforts would also contribute to green space preservation. As urban sites are made available for new business and industrial development through these investments, the fund would also help reduce threats to Ohio’s farmland and green space.

To protect rivers and streams, a portion of the fund’s initial investments would be directed at local, watershed-based efforts to protect and improve water quality in our lakes, rivers and streams by reducing pollution and erosion, cleaning up waterways and protecting stream corridors. Funding could also encourage volunteer, grassroots “Adopt-a-Stream” initiatives to clean up local waterways.

Many of the fund’s investments would directly or indirectly provide important recreational benefits for the growing number of Ohioans who enjoy our state’s great outdoors. Restored green space and protected stream corridors could also create opportunities for new recreational trails. In addition, by investing dollars to supplement federal and local contributions, the Conservation and Revitalization Fund, as proposed, would significantly expand the growing statewide network of trails for biking, hiking and other popular forms of outdoor recreation.

Ohio’s Conservation and Revitalization Fund, as envisioned by both Governor Taft and the Ohio General Assembly, will have a far-reaching economic, environmental and recreational impact on all Ohioans. By facing up to increasing environmental and economic challenges, these investments would ensure that Ohio families - today and far into the future - will enjoy greener, cleaner, healthier communities and a finer quality of life.


Back to Reps Corner

© Copyright 2008 State Representative Lynn Olman. All rights reserved.