04/12/2019

FOR Ohio Update-- April 12, 2019

A thank you in order for our state leaders

On Wednesday, April 3rd, Governor Mike DeWine signed a new 10.5-cent gas tax increase and a 19-cent diesel fuel tax increase into law that will generate $865 million in new funding for infrastructure improvements. In addition, the transportation budget bill (H.B. 62) also added registration fees for electric and hybrid vehicles at $200 and $100 respectively along with a permissive $5 license tag fee allowed at the county level raising the maximum fee levied from $25 to $30.  Indexing the gas tax was not included in the final bill.

Click here to see estimated motor fuel revenue (MTF) for local governments in Ohio by ODOT district. The average city and village will receive an increase of 62.5% in MFT revenue from the new bill. County engineers will receive an additional $1.53 million or 62.8% increase annually. Lastly, townships will increase on average 67 percent.  All local funds will be locally administered.

ODOT continues to work on their funding information but we do know there will be projects added to the May programmatic.  The preservation program will be restored and $200 million per year will go into the Major New/Safety programs for five years, generating consultant projects.  ODOT estimates their capital program over the next five years will be a steady $2 billion.  Overall, the gas tax increase generates a 24% increase in revenue for ODOT.

Please take some time to THANK your State Representatives and Senators, the Governor and Lt. Governor for their leadership on the transportation funding issue.  The speed with which this issue moved through the legislature is unprecedented and we need to recognize those who voted yes as well as those you spoke to directly for listening.  Grassroots advocacy was vital to a successful campaign for increased funding. Click here for HB 62 vote.

To find your legislator, click here.

The FOR Ohio Coalition plans to stay in tact, additional updates will be forthcoming as needed.