State Rep. Bob Peterson | The Ohio House of Representatives
State Rep. Bob Peterson | The Ohio House of Representatives
State Representative Bob Peterson, a Republican from Sabina, has cast his vote in favor of House Bill 54, the State Transportation Budget, which was passed unanimously by the House. The bill is designed to allocate funds for Ohio's transportation system without increasing taxes or fees.
Representative Peterson expressed his satisfaction with the bill, stating, "I am proud to pass a Transportation budget that does not raise taxes or fees but still allows for improved road, bridges, and transportation needs in my district."
House Bill 54 serves as the main funding source for transportation infrastructure development and maintenance for fiscal years 2026-2027. It gained bipartisan support and includes measures aimed at preserving infrastructure, promoting economic growth, and enhancing public safety.
The bill dedicates over $393 million to new highway construction projects intended to enhance Ohio's transportation infrastructure. It also introduces the Ohio Airport Improvement Program Fund to aid airports that lack federal grants.
To promote economic development and innovation, House Bill 54 allocates $15 million annually to continue the Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership Program. This program supports public workforce transportation across rural and urban areas of Ohio. Additionally, funding for Transportation Improvement Districts will increase to $9 million per year. The bill also establishes the Division of Advanced Air Mobility within the Ohio Department of Transportation.
In terms of public safety improvements, House Bill 54 provides $382 million for targeted roadway safety upgrades over two years. More than $4.1 billion is allocated for maintenance operations on existing highways.
Furthermore, House Bill 54 includes a provision that prevents the Bureau of Motor Vehicles from offering voter registration services to individuals deemed ineligible according to its records.
Ohio boasts an extensive infrastructure network with significant interstate mileage and numerous bridges and rail miles. As stated by ODOT, Ohio ranks fifth in interstate system size and third in total bridge numbers nationwide.
The bill now moves forward to the Ohio Senate for further consideration.
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