House Approves Historic State Transportation Budget

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives last week passed House Bill 23, the historic state transportation budget for fiscal years 2024-25, announced Vice Chairman of the House Finance Committee, State Rep. Jeff LaRe (R-Violet Twp.). 

As a result of this legislation, the state will invest $13.5 billion in Ohio’s transportation system over the next two years, the largest infrastructure investment in Ohio’s history. 

“I am proud to have worked on this historic legislation with my colleagues,” said LaRe. “The funding will result in hundreds of jobs for Ohioans and economic prosperity for the state as a whole.”

The State’s transportation budget allocates funds for the Department of Transportation’s infrastructure maintenance and improvement plans over the next two years as well as makes other permanent law changes.

Highlights from the bill include:

- Funding $2.2 billion for pavement, $717 million for bridges, $360 million for dedicated safety upgrades, and $1.5 billion for large, capacity adding projects such as reconfiguring urban interstates.

- Providing reliable transportation routes for workers in rural parts of the state who otherwise might be forced to relocate in order to gain employment.

 - Investing $15 million to establish the Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership Program, which allows one or more regional transit authorities (RTA) to work together to provide service for the workforce between the territories and supporting the employment needs of economically significant employment centers.

House Bill 23 awaits the Governor’s signature.