The Honorable Mike DeWine Governor, The State of Ohio 77 S. High Street, 30th Floor Columbus, OH 43215
Governor DeWine:
I am writing today to respectfully request you exercise your line item veto power to exclude the following provisions from House Bill 54, as enacted by the Ohio General Assembly.
Sec. 203.25. Planning & Research – State (Lines 9619-9635)
771411 – Up to $1,500,000 in FY26 for Feasibility Study of Interstate 73 between Toledo and Chesapeake
771411 – Up to $500,000 in FY26 for Feasibility Study of Connecting U.S. Route 23 to Interstate 71 in Delaware County
The Greater Ohio Policy Center strongly believes that these provisions should be removed from the transportation budget and not considered until the State of Ohio has a meaningful discussion about the future of transportation funding in Ohio. Until such a conversation takes place, it would be inappropriate for the state to fund studies that would significantly expand highway infrastructure in the state when we are already struggling to meet the maintenance needs of existing infrastructure and complete highway projects that are already under construction.
Furthermore, the work of the Ohio Department of Transportation on the recently completed Strategic Transportation Development Analysis already provides clear guidance on what is needed for these important transportation corridors. Further study as directed by House Bill 54 would be an unnecessary duplication of work that has already been completed.
Thank you for your consideration of this request.
Best regards,
Jason Warner Director of Strategic Engagement Greater Ohio Policy Center