Interactive Q&A
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What is the Clean Ohio Fund?
The Clean Ohio Fund is a program funded by state issued bonds first passed by Ohio's citizens in 2000. Passage of Issue 2 in November will enable the Clean Ohio Fund to continue the work to improve the quality of life for all Ohioans through community-directed investments in initiatives such as:
- Protecting rivers, lakes and water supply resources.
- Preserving natural areas, green space and farmland.
- Expanding outdoor recreational opportunities through trail development.
- Stimulating economic development by cleaning up abandoned industrial sites and revitalizing urban areas to create new, jobs and investment.
How much would be invested?
A YES vote on Issue 2 will provide for the continuation of the Clean Ohio Fund bond program. Passage of Issue 2 will NOT raise taxes. The funds for the program come from the sale of state bonds to investors. Half of the funding will be allocated for the environmental assessment and clean up of polluted brownfield sites, and the other half will be used to preserve natural areas, green space and farmland and to support programs that will protect our lakes, rivers and streams, and help to expand our system of recreational trails for the enjoyment of all citizens. The state bond funds can be leveraged with local, federal and private investments.
Who would decide how this funding is used?
Local governments, public agencies and non-profit organizations will be eligible to apply for program dollars. The Clean Ohio Fund is broken into 4 programs administered by different departments of state government each with a citizens? advisory board to ensure public accountability.
- Brownfield assessment, clean up and redevelopment: Ohio Department of Development in coordination with the Ohio EPA and the Clean Ohio Council.
- Open space and natural areas conservation: Coordinated through the Ohio Public Works Commission’s 11-member, locally-appointed Natural Resources Assistance Councils (NRAC).
- Farmland preservation: Ohio Department of Agriculture with the advice of a Farmland Preservation Advisory Board.
- Recreational trails: Ohio Department of Natural Resources with the advice of a Clean Ohio Trail Advisory Board.
What has the Clean Ohio Fund accomplished since 2000?
The Clean Ohio Fund has enabled the assessment, clean up and revitalization of 173 abandoned and polluted industrial sites since the program began in 2000, leveraging private investment to re-developed sites resulting in nearly $2.6 billion in private investment and potentially over 14,750 new jobs. Also, 26,000 acres of natural areas, 20,000 acres of prime farmland and 210 miles of recreational trails have been protected.
Is this a new tax? Would it require an increase in taxes?
No. Issue 2 is NOT a new tax and it does NOT require any increase in taxes.
How will Clean Ohio protect rivers and streams?
Investments will be directed at local, watershed-based efforts to protect and improve water quality in our lakes, rivers and streams by reducing pollution and erosion and protecting stream corridors..
How might Clean Ohio stimulate economic development?
Half of the funding is allocated to brownfield redevelopment and the clean up of contamination that threatens public health. By cleaning up and redeveloping these sites, communities will strengthen their tax base, attract substantial private investments and increase employment. The program has leveraged nearly $2.6 billion in private investment..
How will Clean Ohio preserve farmland and green space?
Half of the funding is invested in state and local efforts to preserve and protect green space including farmland, river corridors, forests, wetlands and other natural areas. Funds will help ensure families have access to Ohio's natural environment across the state. The bond funds could also be used to create or preserve wildlife habitat and protect diverse plant and animal species.
How will Clean Ohio expand outdoor recreational opportunities?
Important recreational benefits will be realized by expanding the development of existing recreational trails. The fund can be used to provide links between local and regional trail systems, parks, schools, neighborhoods and communities.
Would funds for cleaning up brownfields create a bailout program for polluters?
No. Funds would not be granted to parties responsible for the contamination on a site. The ability to hold polluters responsible for their actions would remain in force. At the same time, this program will allow communities to quickly jumpstart redevelopment and create new jobs for Ohioans.