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Clock ticking on Ohio tolling bill

Currently, the Ohio Turnpike is the Buckeye State’s lone toll road. That could change if a bill halfway through the statehouse becomes law, but time is running out to get it done this year.

One of the first actions taken by lawmakers this year in the Ohio House was to advance a bill – HB166 – to the Senate. The bill would authorize regions of the state to come up with new ways to pay for transportation projects, including tolls, which are intended to drive economic development. Since then, the bill has sat in a Senate committee without coming up for a vote.

The legislation would allow for the creation of 24 transportation innovation authorities. The authorities could pay for road, bridge, transit and light rail projects through special fees, dedicated sales or income taxes, or tolls.

The concept was initially touted a year ago by Gov. Ted Strickland. He reaffirmed his commitment to the model during his State of the State address early this year.

The governor, who is running for re-election against former U.S. Rep. John Kasich, has said TIAs provide a new and unique tool for regional cooperation between the public and private sectors on significant transportation investments.

Others say the local revenue source could improve the likelihood a project gets state and federal funding, as well as help in getting the work done more quickly.

The Owner-Operator Independent Drivers Association doesn’t categorically oppose having new roads tolled, as long as certain conditions are met. OOIDA does, however, stand against double taxation, diversion and other burdens that toll roads can put on highway users.

Ohio lawmakers will return to Columbus to finish up their work for the year the week after the Nov. 2 election. They will have about one month to address issues before the session wraps up in December.

To view other legislative activities of interest for Ohio, click here .

Editor’s Note: Please share your thoughts with us about the legislation included in this story. Comments may be sent to [email protected].

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