House Approves Historic State Transportation Budget

COLUMBUS—The Ohio House of Representatives yesterday passed House Bill 23, the historic state transportation budget for fiscal years 2024-25, announced Speaker Pro Tempore Scott Oelslager (R-North Canton). 

As a result of this legislation, the state will invest $13.5 billion in Ohio’s transportation system over the next two years, the largest infrastructure investment in Ohio’s history. 

“I am pleased to support historic legislation that uplifts Ohio’s communities by investing in infrastructure and expanding workforce opportunities,” said Oelslager. 

The State’s transportation budget allocates funds for the Department of Transportation’s infrastructure maintenance and improvement plans over the next two years as well as makes other permanent law changes.

Some highlights from the bill include:

- Funding $2.2 billion for pavement, $717 million for bridges, $360 million for dedicated safety upgrades, and $1.5 billion for large, capacity adding projects such as reconfiguring urban interstates.

- Investing $15 million to establish the Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership Program, which allows one or more regional transit authorities (RTA) to work together to provide service for the workforce between the territories and supporting the employment needs of economically significant employment centers.

- Requiring the Public Utilities Commission (PUCO) and the Environmental Protection Agency to create and submit a report to the General Assembly within 90 days of the effective date on the transportation of hazardous materials and waste in the state.

House Bill 23 awaits the Governor’s signature.