Rep. Elgin Rogers, Jr. Announces Bipartisan Passage of $11.5B Transportation Budget, Creating New Jobs, Infrastructure Projects, and Expanded Economic Opportunities for

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Elgin Rogers, Jr. (D-Toledo) voted to 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.

“Mobility and accessibility are essential to promoting economic growth, stability, and development in Toledo and Northwest Ohio. By investing in our highway and road infrastructure now, Toledo and Northwest Ohio residents, and all Ohioans, will enjoy the benefits of greater accessibility. This bill makes great strides in bringing Ohio’s rail system up to date, ensuring that alternative means of transportation are not just available, but reliable. Fostering mass transit usage will help us save money in the long run, and ensure all Ohioans are more connected. The unanimous vote on this bill proves that its provisions will benefit all Ohioans. We believe that this budget is something that everyone can support, and we encourage the Senate to concur,” said Rep. Rogers, Jr.

Selected provisions brought forward by Rep. Rogers, Jr. 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;
• 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;
• Authorizes the continued distribution of gas tax revenue to cities, counties, and townships across Ohio to support local road maintenance; 
   
• 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.