Ohio House Approves Transportation Budget Conference Report

The conference committee report for Sub. House Bill 53, led through the House Finance Transportation Subcommittee by State Representative Cheryl Grossman (R-Grove City), was approved today by the full House with broad bipartisan support.

The bill allocates funding for Ohio’s roads and highways as well as resources for improving safety services in the state. Totaling more than $3.4 billion annually, the budget allocates $114 million for local projects, which encourages job growth; provides $5.04 billion for highway construction and maintenance; appropriates $450,000 per year to the Department of Public Safety for the purchase of driving simulators; and increases the project threshold for which a county engineer can utilize design-build from $1.5 million to $5 million.

Rep. Grossman released the following statement regarding the bill:

“I’m proud to applaud the approval today of the conference committee report for the transportation budget, which is the result of thoughtful compromise and consistent communication among all those involved.  In it we discuss Ohio’s various speed limits, which will be studied further by a committee, updated residency requirements and also increased standards for driving instructors. We must evaluate important forms of transportation for all Ohioans. This bill is an important step in assuring that all transportation needs are addressed.  Additionally, I look forward to seeing how the bill will help to spur job growth through local projects in our communities."

The hard work and committed focus brought forth by the Transportation Subcommittee as well as members of the House, Senate and Administration has produced a piece of legislation that will greatly benefit Ohioans. The budget has allocated over $7 billion to be used for Ohio’s most necessary infrastructural needs, as well as providing funding to better our safety services. It’s imperative that our communities are safe and that our roads are usable, so that we can continue moving forward as a state.”

Sub. House Bill 53 will head to the governor for his consideration.