For a fourth time now, Ohio lawmakers are working toward placing on the ballot a renewal of the multibillion State Capital Improvement Program, which one Mahoning County official referred to as “basically life support” for municipalities, townships and counties working to serve the needs of their residents.

Lawmakers are discussing a pitch to extend the program for another 10 years by issuing $2.5 billion in new bonds. According to the Ohio Capital Journal, the state Senate has passed its version of the joint resolution to place the measure on the ballot. State Sens. Brian M. Chavez, R-Marietta, and Hearcel F. Craig, D-Columbus, were lead sponsors. Now the state House Finance Committee is taking up the matter.

Ohio Public Works Commission director Linda Bailiff told the Capital Journal the program has so far funded 18,860 projects across the state through grants and loans.

“I think it’s over 212,000 lane miles that counties, townships and municipalities are responsible for,” she said. “There’s 29,000 bridges, there’s 4,400 public water systems, and 1,000 wastewater systems. … Our funds pay for repair, replacement, reconstruction, rehabilitation as well as new (builds) and expansion.”

Mahoning County Engineer, and president of the County Engineers Association of Ohio, Patrick Ginnetti told the Capital Journal that’s been a lifeline and “the most successful program the state of Ohio has.”

This is not just carte blanche for local officials to spend the state’s money as they wish. Ginnetti points out the program is competitive, and that worthwhile projects get funding while less urgent or necessary projects have to wait.

Surely House members will advance the proposed renewal in a timely manner. Once the House clears the way for Senate Joint Resolution 4’s placement on the ballot this spring, voters should give serious consideration to renewing the program that has provided the support for so much of what keeps our communities up and running.