Canton Reporter

State Representative Scott Oelslager of North Canton supported House Bill 54, the State Transportation Budget, which was unanimously approved. The bill provides funding for Ohio's transportation system and focuses on advancing the state's economic development.

"This transportation budget will contribute to economic development and will create jobs in Ohio," stated Oelslager.

House Bill 54 is the main tool for funding transportation infrastructure development and maintenance for fiscal years 2026-2027. It received bipartisan backing and includes measures to maintain Ohio's infrastructure, promote economic growth, and enhance public safety through various initiatives:

- Over $393 million is allocated for new highway construction.

- The Ohio Airport Improvement Program Fund is established to assist airports lacking federal grants.

- Each fiscal year, $15 million is appropriated to continue the Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership Program, aiding workforce transportation in both rural and urban areas.

- Funding for Transportation Improvement Districts (TIDs) is increased to $9 million each fiscal year to encourage job creation and economic development.

- A Division of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM) within the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is created.

- There are $382 million designated for targeted safety upgrades on roadways over the biennium.

- More than $4.1 billion is committed to maintaining operations on existing highways, including roadway replacement, culvert inspections, and bridge maintenance.

- The Bureau of Motor Vehicles (BMV) is prohibited from offering voter registration to individuals deemed ineligible based on BMV records.

The bill now moves to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.