Representative Craig Votes in Support of House Transportation Budget
State Representative Meredith Craig (R-Smithville) voted yesterday in support of House Bill 54 – the House’s version of the State Transportation Budget – which passed unanimously. The bill allocates funding for Ohio’s extensive transportation system, prioritizing efforts that keep Ohio moving forward.
“This is a step forward for the State of Ohio,” said Craig. “Updating our infrastructure while continuing to innovate will be something that will benefit the state for years to come.”
House Bill 54 is the primary mechanism to fund transportation infrastructure development and maintenance for FY 2026-2027. Passed on the floor with bipartisan support, House Bill 54 includes provisions that aim to preserve Ohio’s vital infrastructure, promote economic development, and boost public safety.
PRESERVING INFRASTRUCTURE
House Bill 54 invests more than $393 million for new highway construction, improving the state’s transportation infrastructure for generations to come. The bill also establishes the Ohio Airport Improvement Program Fund to help airports that do not receive federal grants, aiming to improve infrastructure and the day-to-day operations at Ohio airports.
PROMOTING ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT & INNOVATION
House Bill 54 appropriates $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. The program provides funding for infrastructure, equipment, technology, vehicles, and planning projects. The bill also increases funding for Transportation Improvement Districts (TIDs) to $9 million each fiscal year, promoting economic development through job creation. As part of continuing Ohio’s leadership in innovation, House Bill 54 creates the Division of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) within the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT).
BOOSTING PUBLIC SAFETY
House Bill 54 provides $382 million for targeted safety upgrades to Ohio's roadways over the biennium. The bill also commits over $4.1 billion for maintenance operations on Ohio’s current highway system, including roadway replacement, culvert inspections, and bridge maintenance.
ELECTION INTEGRITY
House Bill 54 prohibits the BMV from offering voter registration to a person who, according to the BMV’s own records, is ineligible to register to vote.
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.
House Bill 54 now goes to the Ohio Senate for consideration.