Bipartisan $11.5B Transportation Budget Advances Ohio's Economy, Jobs, and Infrastructure, says Rep. Lett

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Crystal Lett (D-Columbus) voted to pass the bipartisan Ohio Transportation Budget (House Bill 54) through the Ohio House of Representatives today. The budget’s appropriation of $11.5B is a historic investment in Ohio’s future.

 “This budget reflects a commitment to both economic growth and public safety. By funding infrastructure projects and road improvements, we’re ensuring that Ohio remains a great place to live, work, and do business,” said Rep. Lett.

Some provisions fought for by Rep. Lett 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.