Craig Commends Senate Passage of Transportation Budget

Today, state Senator Hearcel F. Craig (D-Columbus) commended the Ohio Senate’s passage of House Bill 54, the state’s two-year transportation budget. The budget invests $11.5 billion over the biennium into Ohio’s roads, bridges, airports, and railways, with nearly $200 million being invested in public transportation.

“I believe we are making great strides to improve the state’s transportation infrastructure,” said Craig. “These crucial investments will help our economic development here in Central Ohio and throughout the state. Progress has been made and I am hopeful that we can continue to help all Ohioans, whether it’s assisting local transit authorities, improving the roads, or helping local governments.”

Senate Democrats advocated for the following provisions that were included in House Bill 54:

• Maintain an increase in funding for Transportation Improvement Districts to invest in local infrastructure ($18M over the biennium);
• Continue funding for the Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership program ($13.5M per fiscal year);
• Continue the Systemic Safety Program, which awards funding for projects that reduce pedestrian-related crashes;
• Support contract changes supported by Regional Transit Authorities, including the Cleveland RTA;
• Appropriate an additional $2.56 million each FY for maintenance of roads within the boundaries of metropolitan parks;
• Distribute gas tax revenues to municipalities, townships, and counties;
• Continue funding commitments to the Brent Spence Bridge;
• Maintain funding requested by ODOT to expand access to truck parking in Ohio; and,
• Allow ODOT to remove abandoned telecommunication or utility lines.

House Bill 54 now heads back to the Ohio House of Representatives for concurrence.