Antonio Commends Senate Passage of Transportation Budget

Today, Senate Democratic Leader Nickie J. Antonio (D-Lakewood) 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.

“This critical investment not only creates hundreds of good-paying jobs, but it also prioritizes safety on our roads and bridges. By providing the resources to modernize and maintain our transportation systems, we’re ensuring a safer, stronger, and more prosperous future for every community across the state,” said Antonio, who serves as the ranking member on the Senate Transportation Committee. “This budget keeps Ohio moving forward and creates economic opportunities while protecting the well-being of our residents.”

Leader Antonio and 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 telecommunications and utility lines.

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