In a survey released this morning by Scioto Analysis, 11 of 17 economists agreed that statewide bonds for the H2Ohio program will reduce the cost of water treatment and public health services for local governments.
Governor DeWine is currently speaking with legislative leaders about placing a bond measure on Ohio’s fall ballot in an attempt to ensure continued funding of H2Ohio, Governor DeWine’s water quality initiative. H2Ohio includes farmer financial incentives to reduce agricultural runoff and investments toward restoring wetlands, funding sewer and water infrastructure projects, and removing dams.
Most respondents agreed that statewide bonds for the H2Ohio program will reduce the cost of water treatment and public health services for local governments, with 5 economists uncertain and 1 economist disagreeing. According to Bill LaFeyette of Regionomics, “The algal bloom the other year in Lake Erie that crippled Toledo's water supply is just one example of the costs of inattention to agricultural runoff.” Other economists showed uncertainty on the cost-effectiveness and magnitude of the statewide bonds.
9 of 17 economists agreed that statewide bonds for the H2Ohio program will increase the size of Ohio's outdoor recreation industry. However, economists’ confidence in this statement varied widely. For example, Kevin Egan of the University of Toledo agreed that costs would go down “only if the program spends the money wisely and actually solves the harmful algal bloom problem in Lake Erie and other lakes”. Of the 8 remaining economists, 1 economist disagreed and 7 economists were uncertain.
Opinions on whether statewide bonds for the H2Ohio program will grow Ohio’s economy were more mixed, with 6 economists uncertain, 5 economists agreeing, and 3 economists disagreeing. Charles Kroncke of Mount Saint Joseph University who strongly agreed with the statement explained, “If Ohio is known as a state that thinks ahead and has infrastructure that supports generational health, companies and individuals will feel good about locating here.” On the other hand Curtis Reynolds of Kent State University strongly disagreed, indicating the impacts on Ohio’s economy would not exist “in any measurable way, just not enough to make an impact on "Ohio's economy" as commonly understood by voters.”
The Ohio Economic Experts Panel is a panel of over 30 Ohio Economists from over 30 Ohio higher educational institutions conducted by Scioto Analysis. The goal of the Ohio Economic Experts Panel is to promote better policy outcomes by providing policymakers, policy influencers, and the public with the informed opinions of Ohio’s leading economists. Individual responses to all surveys can be found here.