Rep. Cockley says Bipartisan Passage of $11.5B Transportation Budget Creates New Jobs, Infrastructure Projects, and Economic Possibilities for Ohioans

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Christine Cockley (D-Columbus) today helped pass the bipartisan Ohio Transportation Budget (House Bill 54) through the Ohio House of Representatives. The budget’s appropriation of $11.5B is a significant investment into the future of Ohio jobs, connecting the workforce to the worksite, and the bill will improve roads, bridges, and transit systems across Ohio.

“I am proud to support this Transportation Budget because of the tremendous economic opportunities it will unlock for all Ohioans,” said Rep. Cockley. “This historic investment in our infrastructure will not only strengthen our state today, but also pave the way for a future where Ohio will continue to be a leader in all sectors.”

Some provisions fought for by Rep. Cockley and included in House Bill (HB) 54:

• Provides $8B in statewide highway construction and maintenance projects over the Biennium;
• Makes progress toward meeting the state’s significant public transportation needs by appropriating nearly $200M for public transit, including$30M to continue the Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership Program;
• Authorizes the continued distribution of gas tax revenue to cities, counties, and townships across Ohio to support local road maintenance; 
   
• Appropriates $18M for Transportation Improvement Districts to invest in local infrastructure across the state;
• Protects construction workers on the highway by establishing the Road Safety Pilot Program to assess speed compliance in construction zones, but prohibits using traffic law photo devices for any purpose, including a citation, summons, or ticket;
• Adopts the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Compact, which creates the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Commission and earmarks $25K in each fiscal year to pay for the costs associated with joining the compact;
• Continues funding commitments to the Brent Spence Bridge;

HB 54 passed the House by a 97-0 vote. It now heads to the Ohio Senate for consideration.