The SCRPC provides staff for the administration of the Ohio Public Works Commission programs within District 19 which is all of Stark County. The Ohio Public Works Commission was created to assist in financing local public infrastructure improvements under the State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP) and the Local Transportation Improvements Program (LTIP). These programs provide financial assistance to local communities for the improvement of their basic infrastructure systems. Eligible projects include improvements to roads, bridges, culverts, water supply systems, wastewater systems, storm water collection systems, and solid waste disposal facilities.State Capital Improvement Program (SCIP) and the Local Transportation Improvements Program (LTIP).

The Clean Ohio Program is a bond program created from the passage of State Issue 1 in 2000 to fund the protection of natural areas, farmland, streams, and wetlands. The District 19 Natural Resource Assistance Council oversees this program in Stark County and distributes funds to local communities and nonprofit organizations to protect open space, clean up brownfields, preserve farmland, and construct hiking and biking trails.

The Program Application is available at the Ohio Public Works Commission Website.

OPWC

The State Capital Improvement Program was created in 1987 and renewed in 1995 and 2005, by amendments creating Sections 2k, 2m and 2p, Article VIII of the Ohio Constitution. These Constitutional provisions allow the State to use its general revenues as debt support and issue general obligation bonds. The State may issue up to $120 million through Program Year 25 and then $150 million in Program Years 26 through 30.

The Local Transportation Improvement Program was created by the legislature in 1989 and provides approximately $70 million in gasoline tax receipts each year.

The Clean Ohio Program is a bond program created from the passage of State Issue 1 in 2000. More than $37.5 million in grants will be awarded throughout the State to fund the protection of natural areas, farmland, streams, and wetlands. The District 19 Natural Resource Assistance Council oversees this program in Stark County and distributes funds to local communities and nonprofit organizations the to protect open space, cleanup brownfields, preserve farmland, and construct hiking and biking trails.

Applying for funding

To apply for Clean Ohio Program Open Space funds the applicant must work through its Natural Resources Assistance Council (NRAC). There are 19 Natural Resources Assistance Councils that are responsible for approving projects to send to the Ohio Public Works Commission. NRACs consist of eleven members. The representation includes a diverse group including local district public works integrating committee members, soil and water conservation districts, local governments, environmental groups, parks, agriculture, and business. Each NRAC evaluates and scores applications using a locally developed methodology, approved by the commission, based on criteria listed in Chapter 164 of the Ohio Revised Code. These evaluation criteria focus on the support of comprehensive open space planning, protection of habitat, preservation of existing high quality wetlands, linkages to other open space and enhancement of economic development that relies on recreation and ecotourism in areas with relatively high unemployment and lower incomes.

After evaluating and scoring the projects, each NRAC creates a list of high priority projects that are submitted to the Ohio Public Works Commission. Each application is reviewed for completeness and project eligibility. After all requirements are met at the NRAC district level and the applications are approved, formal agreements are issued by the Ohio Public Works Commission to individual applicants. The commission's staff maintains ongoing contact with local applicants or potential applicants, providing technical assistance through each project's completion.