Rep. Grim Applauds Committee Passage of Transportation Budget Including Bipartisan Rail Safety Improvements

COLUMBUS – State Rep. Michele Grim (D-Toledo) voted today to advance Ohio’s transportation budget out of the House Finance Committee. House Bill 23 provides funding for the Department of Transportation for fiscal year 24-25 and creates new transportation standards in Ohio.

“The priorities and investments in this bipartisan bill will strengthen Ohio’s economy,” said Rep. Grim. “I am proud that the budget includes expansions to Transportation Improvement Districts that I advocated for, which will allow for greater collaboration between counties on projects that will benefit countless Ohioans.”

House Bill 23 also includes several changes to strengthen worker and public safety surrounding railroads, long advocated by rail workers. The two amendments include requiring two-man crews on all freight trains and strengthening procedures related to wayside defect detector systems. Four additional amendments related to rail safety were not included.

“Rail workers have been advocating these safety measures for years. While it is unfortunate that it took the disaster in East Palestine to get the General Assembly to act, this bill represents a good first step in improving rail safety in Ohio,” said Rep. Grim. “We owe it to East Palestine and all our communities to make additional improvements, and I will continue to make rail safety a top priority.”

House Bill 23 now awaits consideration on the House Floor.