Ohio House Passes Two-Year State Transportation Budget

COLUMBUS – The Ohio House of Representatives today approved, by a vote of 87-8, a new two-year state transportation budget that invests in Ohio’s infrastructure and public transit.

House Bill 74 will provide nearly $7 billion over the next two fiscal years for the Ohio Department of Transportation, supporting road and bridge construction and maintenance, as well as other transportation priorities.

The measure also will provide more than $1 billion over the next two years for the Ohio Department of Public Safety, including increased funding for the state highway patrol.

“Supporting local economies, investing in public transit and public safety and improving roadways and bridges that allow Ohioans to travel efficiently and safely are important pillars in this transportation budget,” said Ohio House Speaker Bob Cupp (R-Lima). “These are ways we advance our state forward, and because of that, I am pleased of its passage today and with the goal in mind that it will be delivered in balance and on time.”  

In addition to repair and maintenance of the state’s existing infrastructure, the transportation budget also provides $100 million in each of the next two years for major new construction through the Transportation Review Advisory Commission program. 

The plan also makes a major investment in public transportation, which is critical to connecting Ohioans with jobs, entertainment and access to important services, such as medical care. The House plan doubles the governor’s proposed investment in public transit, providing more than $190 million over the next two years.