COLUMBUS, Ohio – The Ohio House has approved the version of the state’s transportation budget which raises the speed limit on interstates and allows bonds to be issued by the Turnpike Commission to raise funds for road projects.
By a 62-27 margin, House members approved a bill worked out in a conference committee that worked out differences between House and Senate versions.
“Through the conference committee process, members of both the House and Senate crafted a transportation budget that will bolster one of our state’s most important economic resources—our strong infrastructure,” said Rep. Ross McGregor (R-Springfield), chairman of the Transportation Subcommittee of the House Finance and Appropriations Committee.
The $7.6 billion budget – which was approved by the Senate on Wednesday — authorizes the sale of $1.5 billion in bonds against the Ohio Turnpike to fund new infrastructure projects across the state, though mostly in the northern region, in the coming biennium.
“This Turnpike plan is big change for our state, and I applaud the General Assembly for being open to and ultimately passing an innovative plan that will allow us to complete infrastructure projects faster, create 65,000 new construction jobs and help attract new job creators to Ohio,” Gov. John Kasich, who is expected to sign the bill, said in a statement released by his office.
The budget also increases the speed limit on interstates outside urban areas to 70 mph, 65 mph on outerbelts in urban areas and 55 mph in areas considered “congested” by the Ohio Department of Transportation director Jerry Wray.
The budget provides more than $2.5 billion a year for upgrading road infrastructure, not including the $1.5 billion raised by the Turnpike bonds over the next six years. The controversial “Nexus provision” ensures that 90 percent of the money raised through turnpike bonding will be spend on northern Ohio projects, defined as within 75 miles of the Turnpike.
“We will work to get back the biggest return-on-investment as we build projects that will increase economic development and safety and provide jobs to hardworking Ohioans. We look forward to this opportunity to make a difference in Ohio,” Wray said.
Among other provisions in the bill:
Lowering the late fee for vehicle registration from $20 to $10 and allowing for the multi-year registration of certain vehicles.
Clarifies that license plates may be made from aluminum, plastic or other suitable materials, in addition to the standard steel.
Requiring a stop sign (or yield sign, at the discretion of ODOT) at all railroad crossings where passive warning devices (lights or gates) do not exist.
Requires that stop signs be erected at railroad highway grade crossings when upgrades are made or when new crossings are constructed.
Freezes tolls for E-Z Pass trips for passenger cars of fewer than 30 miles at the current rate for the next 10 years.
Enhances penalties for theft involving scrap metal and prohibit scrap dealers from buying from individuals identified as a thief or receiver of stolen property by law enforcement.
Creates the Turnpike Mitigation Program to help communities through which the Turnpike passes resolve issues created by its presence.