Transportation budget sponsored by Rep. Ujvagi passes
This in via e-mail from the office of State Representative Peter Ujvagi
Rep. Peter Ujvagi’s Transportation Budget Approved by Ohio House
Package Includes Money for Highway Repair, Possible Passenger Rail
COLUMBUS – The Ohio House of Representatives today passed a transportation budget sponsored by State Representative Peter Ujvagi (D-Toledo). The budget includes the possibility of the return of passenger rail service from Toledo to other cities in Ohio, and creates a system of transparency and accountability for the spending of federal stimulus dollars.
Representative Ujvagi chaired the Transportation Subcommittee of the Ohio House Finance Committee and guided the legislative process for House Bill 2.
“I am proud of the work that went into preparing this budget,” said Rep. Ujvagi. “I believe we have created a plan that will build on Toledo’s position as the leading passenger rail location in Ohio and will assure our connection to an Ohio rail system as it is developed”.
Most of the money in the budget will go toward highway construction and maintenance across Ohio, funding local infrastructure projects and ensuring the public’s safety. This spending plan will help offset the impact of inflation and a decline in state motor fuel tax revenue. The Ohio Department of Transportation will put a special emphasis on keeping the state’s highways well maintained and safe.
“This bill will allow the Ohio Department of Transportation to continue innovative changes,” said Rep. Ujvagi. “It will also allow them to take a multi-modal approach to the transportation needs of the state of Ohio. We are ensuring more options for travel and freight and improving the safety of existing modes of transportation.”
The rail service would mean new jobs in Ohio, and provide a boost for economic development in cities and towns along the route. It would also offer a transportation alternative to automobile traffic in the state, which would reduce the wear and tear on Ohio highways, and be good for the environment with reduced vehicle emissions.
The rail plan will begin with a study of market demand and feasibility for a route that would connect Cleveland, Columbus, Cincinnati and points in between while concurrently working to improve rail services between Toledo, Cleveland and Columbus. It will also allow the state to compete for federal stimulus funds to pay for the project.
The transportation budget also includes a method for allocating and tracking nearly $2 billion dollars coming to Ohio under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act. That money will be primarily handled under the existing state expenditure process, a system that allows the state to insure that the money is put to use and begins to stimulate Ohio’s economy at the earliest possible moment.
The bill names the Inspector General to oversee the stimulus spending process. This watchdog role will provide a strong incentive to efficiently put dollars to work as well as a strong deterrent against waste and abuse, and fulfils Rep. Ujvagi’s pledge of transparency and accountability in government.
“This budget was put together in a spirit of bipartisanship,” said Rep. Ujvagi. “We have listened to and heard the concerns of members across the aisle, and have incorporated many of their suggestions into the final bill. We may not agree on all policy issues, but we have worked well together in the time frame that is available to us.”
Additional initiatives in the bill sponsored by Rep. Ujvagi include:
* Amended the 3 C’s passenger rail plan to concurrently work to improve rail services between Toledo and Cleveland and identifying the key steps needed to be taken to develop a Toledo – Columbus rail service
* Require that the Inspector General provide oversight for the total stimulus spending process not just those related to transportation initiatives
* Direct the Ohio Turnpike Commission to began the work of taking advantage of alternative energy opportunities, including solar
* Implement a system to build a veterans data base that will bring additional federal dollars back to Ohio for veterans service
* Mandate a study to consider ways in which the State of Ohio can participate in the maintenance of state routes through cities
* Improve public safety on the road by requiring the use of headlights while windshield wipers are in operation.
