ODOT Chief Briefs Lawmakers on Budget

Under Gov. Mike DeWine’s budget, Ohio’s FY 2024-2025 transportation spending would grow 25% compared to the current levels, with much of the extra funding coming from the federal infrastructure law. About $2.2 billion would go towards pavement, $717 million for bridges, $360 million for safety upgrades, and $579 million for larger projects like reconfiguring urban interstates.

The budget also includes smaller amounts for things like public transit, electric vehicle infrastructure, and drone development.

Ohio Department of Transportation Director Jack Marchbanks this week told the House lawmakers the cost of road and bridge-building materials soared 11.4% last year. (Read Hannah News Service’s story on Marchbanks’ testimony.) He also briefed lawmakers on ODOT’s effort to gather public input on alternatives to the state’s fuel tax. 2/8/2023