COLUMBUS—State Senator Stephanie Kunze (R-Hilliard) today announced the Ohio Senate's unanimous passage of legislation investing $8.3 billion to fund the construction and maintenance of the state's transportation system. The bill enhances safety, promotes commerce and puts tens of thousands of Ohioans to work.
"This bipartisan bill recognizes the need for a solid, statewide transportation infrastructure with an investment of more than $8 billion for the next two years," said Senator Kunze, Chair of the Senate's Transportation Committee. "Transportation affects and impacts every Ohioan. I am grateful to lead this process that places Ohio competitively on the global playing field; I believe this budget is not only fiscally responsible, but also sensible, equitable, and forward looking."
Passed by the Senate with unanimous, bipartisan support, House Bill 74 provides funding for the Ohio Department of Transportation, Department of Public Safety, Public Works Commission and Development Services Agency.
Among the bill's provisions included in the Senate-passed version:
Additional Funding for Public Transit: Increases state spending for public transit by $13.85 million per year for a total of $74 million in GRF over the biennium. This is in addition to the House increase in federal flex funding for public transit of $66 million over the biennium.
Providing for Local Road Projects: The Public Works Commission, which provides funding and grants for local road projects, was funded at over $116 million over the upcoming biennium. This enables local governments the opportunity to improve the roadways within their jurisdiction.
Fixing Dangerous Pavement Slips: Provides an additional $2 million for the Public Works Commission for emergency road-slip repair, totaling $14 million over the biennium.
Repurposing Closed Weigh Stations for Safety Areas: Requires ODOT to reopen decommissioned weigh stations for safe, overnight parking for commercial truckers.
House Bill 74 now proceeds to the House of Representatives for concurrence. For real-time traffic updates and construction projects throughout the state of Ohio click here.
of terms
