Toledo Reporter

State Senator Paula Hicks-Hudson of Toledo has expressed approval following the Ohio Senate's passage of House Bill 54, the state's two-year transportation budget. The budget allocates $11.5 billion over the biennium to enhance Ohio's roads, bridges, airports, and railways, with nearly $200 million designated for public transportation.

“With the support of the Northwest Ohio delegation, there is a way forward for better connection from Lucas County to Columbus,” said Hicks-Hudson. She noted that the bill includes two amendments she proposed: one to clarify liability concerning adaptive mobility dealers and remanufacturers, and another directing the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) to develop a plan connecting Rt. 23 to I-71. “As Ohio continues to bring new jobs and markets of opportunity to the state, the accessibility of inter- and intra-state transportation is critical. I hope that this will remedy the neglect of critical state infrastructure between our region into central Ohio, and consequently, the rest of the state.”

The Senate Democrats supported several provisions in House Bill 54:

- Maintaining increased funding for Transportation Improvement Districts ($18 million over the biennium).

- Continuing funding for the Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership program ($13.5 million per fiscal year).

- Continuing the Systemic Safety Program aimed at reducing pedestrian-related crashes.

- Supporting contract changes endorsed by Regional Transit Authorities like Cleveland RTA.

- Allocating an additional $2.56 million each fiscal year for road maintenance within metropolitan parks.

- Distributing gas tax revenues to municipalities, townships, and counties.

- Continuing funding commitments for the Brent Spence Bridge.

- Maintaining ODOT's requested funding to expand truck parking access in Ohio.

- Allowing ODOT to remove abandoned telecommunication or utility lines.

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