Voters in Lawrence County and around the State of Ohio made the right call when they chose to overwhelmingly support a public works program that funds upgrades to roads, bridges and other infrastructure.

Despite low voter turnout statewide — less than 17 percent — those who went to the polls and voted in favor of renewing the State Capital Improvement Program recognized the great investment potential.

The 27-year-old program will allow the state to borrow $1.875 billion over 10 years through the issuance of general obligation bonds.

In Lawrence County, the share in previous years has been between $900,000 and $1.2 million, and since the program began, the county has received more than $29 million for road and infrastructure improvements.

Statewide, the impact has been significant as well, with thousands of roads, bridges, sewer and water projects funded, not to mention the job creation that goes along with these projects.

It is estimated that about 35,000 construction and public works jobs will be created within the next 10 years through the capital improvement program.

Each and every county in Ohio will benefit from this program without facing a tax increase, and that’s much welcomed news.