Mansfield Times

The Ohio Senate has given its approval to Amended Substitute House Bill 54, marking the passage of an $11 billion transportation budget for the state. State Senator Mark Romanchuk (R-Ontario) expressed his support for the bill.

"This Transportation budget gives us the best opportunities to develop the best infrastructure possible for the Buckeye state," Senator Romanchuk stated. He also highlighted a specific victory within his district, saying, "I'm pleased that this repeals the requirement to build interchanges off Boston Rd. in Medina County. This is a win for 22nd district and I look forward to the release of the congestion study by the Department of Transportation."

The budget includes provisions aimed at assisting smaller communities with road maintenance through aid from the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). These funds will help villages manage snow removal and debris clearance after storms without incurring costs.

Additional measures in HB 54 include protections for rental car drivers against penalties if stopped while driving vehicles with expired registrations. The legislation also ensures that ramps leading to closed rest areas remain accessible for truckers needing rest breaks.

Funding for this transportation budget comes from Ohio's Motor Fuel Tax, commonly known as the gas tax. Notably, there are no increases in gas or diesel taxes in this 2026-27 Transportation Budget.