Reynolds Approves $11 Billion Investment in State Transportation Budget

COLUMBUS—The Ohio Senate approved Amended Substitute House Bill 54, Ohio's $11 billion two-year transportation budget. The bill was supported by State Senator Michele Reynolds.
 
“This transportation budget will enable the Buckeye State to continue leading in transit infrastructure,” said Senator Reynolds. “This bill will ensure safe travel for Ohioans as they live, work, and play in their communities and across the state.”
 
House Bill 54 includes provisions to help communities keep their roads clear and maintained through the help of the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). Through the year, towns and villages can experience extreme weather and require assistance from ODOT to clear snow and debris from storm damage. House Bill 54 provides that at no cost to the village.
 
The transportation budget also allocates $15 million for emergency pavement repair.
 
“The transportation budget covers more than just concrete, asphalt and potholes,” said Senate Transportation Chairman Tom Patton. “This is truly a forward looking, 21st Century budget that helps keep Ohio’s economy moving from Lake Erie to the Ohio River.”
 
The legislation protects rental car drivers from tickets if they are pulled over and the rental car’s registration is expired, and it keeps the ramps to closed rest areas open for truckers who need to stop for their required rest periods.
 
The $11.5 billion budget also maintains the convenience of voter registration at the BMV when an applicant provides proof of U.S. citizenship, which is required to vote in Ohio.

The transportation budget is funded by the state’s Motor Fuel Tax (MFT), more commonly called the gas tax. The 2026-27 Transportation Budget is free from gas or diesel tax increases, protecting paychecks of hard-working Ohioans at the pump.

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