OTA Supports Governor DeWine’s Transportation Budget

Blacklick, OH – The Ohio Township Association (OTA) applauded the introduction of Governor DeWine’s transportation budget today. With Ohio facing a financial cliff regarding transportation funding at both the state and local levels, the Governor’s budget takes into consideration the state’s dire situation and the urgent funding needs of both Ohio townships and the state as a whole. The budget focuses on bolstering road maintenance funding by recommending an 18-cent increase in the motor vehicle user fee and the continuation of additional funding for local governments. 

The 18-cent motor vehicle user fee increase will be split between the state and local governments under the current formula (60/40) and indexed to inflation. In addition, the Governor’s proposal includes the continuation of $350 million in funding directed to local governments to help with their transportation needs. These programs were slated to be cut under current funding levels. 

Without adequate transportation funding, new projects cannot be started, repairs will continue to be postponed and ultimately, the state’s roadways will fall into further disrepair. Townships will feel the strain more than most, as their roadways are already underfunded, and townships have less flexibility when adding alternative funding streams. 

“In Ohio, townships are responsible for maintaining over 41,000 miles of roads,” said Matthew DeTemple, OTA Executive Director. “Among other things, the price of asphalt has risen over the years, and for some time it has not been feasible to perform basic repairs on local roads. It certainly has not been realistic to initiate new projects to further serve residents. The OTA supports Governor DeWine’s proposed transportation budget, and we look forward to continuing the discussion of ways to fund our state’s vitally important transportation infrastructure.” 

The OTA thanks the Ohio House for their work on this issue thus far and urges the General Assembly to consider the facts before them. A policy must be enacted that meets the long-term needs of the state and its local partners.