Central Ohio Today

The Ohio House of Representatives has concurred with the Senate's amendments to Substitute House Bill 54, which outlines Ohio's transportation budget for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. This bill allocates over $11.48 billion towards highway construction, maintenance, and safety upgrades across the state.

Representative Brian Stewart (R-Ashville), Chair of the House Finance Committee, expressed gratitude for the bipartisan support of the budget, stating, "This is a fiscally responsible budget that makes significant expenditures to maintain – and enhance – the highway system that benefits Ohioans every day."

House Transportation Committee Chair Representative Bernie Willis (R-Springfield) praised the Senate's unanimous vote on the bill, saying it will "protect our infrastructure and build for the future of transportation in Ohio."

Key changes agreed upon by the Senate include removing a requirement for contractors to indemnify railroad companies against negligence damages during grade separation improvements. The bill also earmarks $3 million per fiscal year for Regional Transportation Planning Organizations (RTPOs). Additionally, it mandates proof of U.S. citizenship during BMV transactions for voter registration purposes.

Substitute House Bill 54 provides over $393 million for new highway construction projects aimed at preserving infrastructure. It also promotes economic development by allocating $13.5 million annually to support public workforce transportation through the Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership Program. Funding for Transportation Improvement Districts will increase to $9 million each fiscal year.

In an effort to maintain its leadership in innovation, Ohio will establish a Division of Advanced Air Mobility within ODOT as part of this legislation.

Public safety is addressed with a commitment of $382 million over two years for targeted safety upgrades on roadways. More than $4.1 billion is designated for maintaining current highways, including roadway replacement and bridge maintenance.

The bill now awaits Governor approval before becoming law.