Representative Miller Votes in Support of House Transportation Budget  

COLUMBUS – State Representative Melanie Miller (R-Ashland) last week voted in support of House Bill 54 – the House’s version of the State Transportation Budget – which passed with a bipartisan vote of 97-0. 

“This is a historic investment that prioritizes preserving Ohio’s infrastructure, promoting economic development and innovation, and boosting public safety to keep Ohio moving forward.” said Miller.

House Bill 54 is the primary mechanism to fund transportation infrastructure development and maintenance for FY 2026-2027.  

House Bill 54 invests over $393 million in new highway infrastructure, $382 million for targeted safety upgrades to Ohio’s roadways, and over $4.1 billion for highway maintenance operations. This legislation also allocates $15 million each fiscal year to continue the Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership Program, which supports public workforce transportation in rural and urban areas of Ohio.

Also included in House 54 is a provision to repeal the requirement to construct an interstate interchange on Boston Road. “I am proud to announce the passage of such a robust budget, specifically when it comes to the 1-71 interchange project on Boston Road,” said Miller. “I have been a strong advocate for replacing the project with a traffic study to eliminate the hardship it would have on local residents. I’m thrilled this provision has been included in the Bill.” 

Through the transportation budget, the Director of Transportation, along with the Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency will conduct a study to develop a traffic congestion management plan.

Ohio is home to a widespread infrastructure and transportation system. According to ODOT, the state has the fifth largest interstate system with more than 8,000 lane miles. Ohio is centrally located within a day's drive of more than 60% of the U.S. and Canadian populations. The state has the nation’s third largest total number of bridges at 26,729 and is fourth in the nation in total active rail miles with 5,081 miles. 

Other key highlights of the legislation are:

• Establishes the Ohio Airport Improvement Program Fund to provide money to airports that do not receive federal grants, improving infrastructure and day-to-day operations at Ohio airports.
• Creates more truck parking spaces, uplifting Ohio’s economy by supporting the transportation of goods.
  Increases funding for Transportation Improvement Districts (TIDs) to $9 million each fiscal year, promoting economic development through job creation.
• Creates the Division of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) within the Ohio Department of Transportation, increasing efficiency when transporting cargo and solidifying Ohio’s position as a leader in innovation.
• Includes the E-Check Ease Act which creates an alternative, parallel system where an owner of a motor vehicle may comply with the federal E-Check program by obtaining an alternative emissions certificate, relieving Ohio drivers of administrative and financial burden as a result of federal overreach.
• Joins Ohio to the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail Compact, which includes membership to the Midwest Interstate Passenger Rail
• Commission and earmarks $25,000 in each fiscal year to pay for the costs associated with joining the compact, encouraging regional collaboration to improve passenger rail services.
• Prohibits the BMV from offering voter registration to a person who, according to the BMV’s own records, is ineligible to register to vote. 
   

House Bill 54 now goes to the Ohio Senate for consideration.