Rep. Anielski Announces Ohio House Passage Of Transportation Budget

COLUMBUS—State Representative Marlene Anielski(R-Independence) has announced that the Ohio House of Representatives todaypassed Substitute House Bill 51, the state transportation budget that allocatesvital funding to improve Ohio’s infrastructure and contribute to a healthyeconomy. The transportation budget provides more than $2.5 billion annually forupgrading Ohio’s road infrastructure and issues bonds that will generate anadditional $1.5 billion in funding for road projects over the next six years.

“I am pleased that Sub H.B. 51 was passed by the 130thGeneral Assembly," Rep Anielski said. “It allocates vital funding toimprove our northeastern Ohio infrastructure and will address sound and watermitigation issues for my constituents."

Among other provisions, Sub H.B. 51:

• creates the Turnpike Mitigation Program to help communities through which the Turnpike passes resolve issues created by its presence;
• enhances nexus language and requires 90 percent of bond revenue to be used within 75 miles of the Turnpike;
• 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;
• clarifies that license plates may be made from aluminum, plastic or other suitable materials, in addition to the standard steel;
• and 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

Sub H.B. 51 passed with bipartisan support and will now move to Governor Kasich for his signature.