On February 15, GOPC Director of Strategic Engagement Jason Warner testified before the Ohio House Finance Committee regarding the state transportation budget, which was introduced two weeks earlier by Governor Mike DeWine. Below is the testimony GOPC provided, emphasizing the need to invest in public transportation, active transportation, as well as support for the study of enhanced and expanded passenger rail service in the state of Ohio.

Chairman Edwards, Ranking Member Sweeney, and members of the House Finance Committee, thank you for the opportunity to present Interested Party Testimony regarding the state transportation budget for Fiscal Years 2024 and 2025.

My name is Jason Warner, and I am the Director of Strategic Engagement with the Greater Ohio Policy Center (GOPC). GOPC is a statewide non-profit organization that champions revitalization and sustainable growth in Ohio’s cities and metros. GOPC is highly respected for its data-driven, nonpartisan policy analysis, research expertise, and policy development. Our mission is to improve the communities of Ohio through smart growth strategies and research for a revitalized Ohio.

I am here today to speak briefly about the transportation budget, and to preview transportation-related issues that we will be supporting as a part of the main operating budget when that bill comes up for consideration later this spring before this committee.

Public transportation is a vital link for millions of Ohioans. In the four years preceding the COVID-19 pandemic, Ohio’s transit agencies averaged more than 100 million trips per year.

One-time investments from the federal government in 2020 and 2021 helped keep transit agencies solvent and have enable agencies to address maintenance backlogs and modernize vehicles over the next five years. However, transit systems—in rural and urban Ohio—continue to require operational support to adequately address the needs of existing riders and to plan for future riders.

Since FY2020, the Ohio General Assembly has invested a record $141.5 million in Ohio’s public transportation agencies. This has been an important down payment for Ohio’s future. We are happy to see from the Budget Blue Book and the LSC Red Book, that the administration has earmarked $33 million for public transportation though federal “flex” funding, and a further $37 million recommended in GRF funds to be appropriated in the main operating budget. GOPC is strongly in support of both of these proposals.

Mr. Chairman, we are happy to see that the administration is committing funding to public transportation at the same level as has been appropriated for the current fiscal year. I would be derelict in my duty if I also did not add that we would welcome support from the General Assembly to potentially increase this support – but that is a conversation we can have as this committee continues its work on the main operating budget.

I will add that GOPC welcomes the news that the state will be requesting funding from the federal government to study the expansion of passenger rail service across Ohio. It is right and prudent that the state should take advantage of this unique opportunity to learn more and study the feasibility of greater accessibility to passenger rail.

With all of the new and exciting economic development activity we have seen announced recently across Ohio, now is the perfect time for Ohio to embrace this opportunity to shift our focus away from paving over our future with miles of new highways, and instead use this as a catalyst for the development of a true multifaceted transportation network – one that supports passenger vehicles, public transportation, and bike/ped infrastructure - that will meet our state’s needs for decades to come.

That is why we also look forward to discussing with you and the members of the committee an opportunity to invest further in bike/ped infrastructure. This opportunity has the added benefit of improving the health and safety of Ohio’s children. By expanding the Safe Routes to Schools Program with an investment of state GRF funds, Ohio could take a great step forward in supporting a transportation system for everyone.

Chairman Edwards, thank you for the opportunity to speak to the transportation budget, I appreciate your attention and welcome any questions you or members of the committee may have.