Robb Blasdel Supports $13.5 Billion Transportation Budget

State Rep. Monica Robb Blasdel (R-Columbiana County) voted to support the historic transportation budget, which invests $13.5 billion into the state’s infrastructure. Both the House and Senate chambers approved the legislation on Wednesday.

The legislation is the largest commitment of highway infrastructure spending in Ohio history with $13.5 billion in funding for Ohio’s transportation system over the next two years.

“We’re making such significant investments into our roadways throughout Northeast Ohio and across the state that Ohio families will benefit from when it comes to efficiency and public safety,” said Robb Blasdel. “This budget is also a jobs bill, it will create more jobs for hard-working Ohioans and it really is going to improve economic development for our businesses.”

Robb Blasdel is a member of the House Finance Committee, which vetted the bill through the legislative process. The representative notes several train safety provisions she supported were also added into the legislation.

Other key components of 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. The investments will help local contractors and small businesses create jobs and expand their workforces across the state.                                    
• Finding faster ways to connect areas of the state by funding the Strategic Transportation and Development Analysis to study links between Columbus and Sandusky and Columbus and Toledo.
• 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.
• Requiring the Public Utilities Commission (PUCO) and the Environmental Protection Agency to create and submit a report to the General Assembly within 90 days of the effective date on the transportation of hazardous materials and waste in the state.
• Requiring that PUCO examines both current uses of and best practices for use of the following railroad safety technologies and will submit an information report within 90 days.
• Mandating that an operator be notified of a wayside detector system defect.  Requires DOT and PUCO to ensure the messages are sent and that investigations are conducted.
• Requiring that a train must have a two-person crew related solely for safety.
• Changes the way that force accounts are managed for the first time in over 20 years that provides for greater flexibility for local municipalities on road projects to manage costs and bid out projects.
• Allowing for the permanent registration of noncommercial trailers.
• Reduces the registration fee for a plug-in hybrid vehicle from $200 to $150 effective January 1, 2024.

The legislation now moves to the governor for consideration.