Ohio House Passes Its Version of the Transportation Budget Bill
On Thursday, March 7, 2019, the Ohio House approved House Bill 62, the Transportation Budget. The bill passed by the House included several notable differences from the version proposed by the DeWine Administration. A number of those changes include:
• In lieu of the lump sum 18-cent per gallon motor fuel users fee increase proposed by Governor DeWine, the House modified that to a 10.7-cent per gallon fee increase on gasoline and a 20-cent per gallon fee increase on diesel fuel. The House version phases in the fee as follows:
Gasoline
5 cents on October 1, 2019
3 cents on October 1, 2020
2.7 cents on October 1, 2021
Diesel
10 cents on October 1, 2019
6 cents on October 1, 2020
4 cents on October 1, 2021
When fully phased in, the increase in the state motor fuel users fee will yield approximately $872 million. This is compared to $1.2 billion in the DeWine proposal.
• The new revenue will be split 55% ODOT/45 % local governments. The current split for motor fuel tax revenue is 60% ODOT/40 % local governments.
• An annual registration fee for electric vehicles at the rate of $200 and $100 for hybrid. The Administration’s bill did not include this registration fee.
• Under the House bill, ODOT is directed to allocate $100 million in federal funds for transit spending. The Administration’s budget proposed $40 million for transit. The current share of federal funds going to transit is $33 million.
While we are still reviewing all the provisions of the bill, it is clear the funding recommendation is much less than that proposed by Governor DeWine. As we understand it, even with the funding increase ODOT will not have funding for the Major New program and limited funds for safety improvements. It appears ODOT will be able to maintain the system and little else. For that reason, we will continue to support increasing the amount of revenue to the levels proposed by Governor DeWine. If you haven’t already, please reach out to your legislators and let them know the highway construction industry supports increasing the revenue beyond what the House recommended.
Selecting Project Delivery Methods & Bidding Public Construction Contracts
Bricker & Eckler presents its 9th annual “Selecting Project Delivery Methods & Bidding Public Construction Contracts.” This full-day workshop, specifically designed for Ohio public owners, covers the project delivery methods available for public construction projects and when competitive bidding is required for these projects. The morning session is a traditional presentation, featuring instruction from several Bricker & Eckler attorneys whose practices focus on construction and bidding. In the afternoon, attendees will work through fact patterns together and will interactively explore alternative delivery methods and review bidding issues, while receiving feedback from fellow participants and the presenters. Click here to register now!
Transportation Technologies Expo Day
Explore a variety of transportation careers suited for technically savvy students who enjoy hands-on work. Transportation Technologies programs provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to compete in today’s competitive transportation industries. Click here for more information about this event.
Register Now for 2019 Ohio Transportation Safety Conference
The Ohio Chapter of ATSSA (the American Traffic Safety Services Association) invites you to join them and other industry partners at the 2019 Ohio “How To” Training & Education Workshop in Columbus on Wednesday April 10th. This year’s conference, entitled Ohio Transportation Safety: Where the Industry Meets, will include a wide variety of safety-related educational sessions led by federal, state and local industry professionals, exhibit space featuring over 30 displays of the latest in roadway safety products and services, lunch, snack breaks, an evening reception and other networking opportunities throughout the day. Additionally, CEU’s will be available!
Session Topics Include:
• Opening Session with ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks
• Highway Funding for the Next Four Years
• 2019 Updates to Roadway Engineering Standards
• MASH Implementation
• Ohio’s New Distracted Driving Law
• And 10 more Safety-related topics! (agenda)
When: Wednesday, April 10th from 9am-5pm
Where: Marriott Columbus University Area at 3100 Olentangy River Road, Columbus, OH 43202 Registration Fees: $125 (Non-ATSSA members) before April 1; $150 after April 1
REGISTER ONLINE NOW
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