Maximize Funding

Current financing tools available to Ohioans are woefully inadequate and do not meet the 21st Century needs of the state’s economy and its citizens. New revenue sources must be developed and then aligned with state priorities to attract and retain jobs, move citizens and goods safely and efficiently, focus growth where infrastructure already exists, preserve Ohio’s farmland and keep our air and waterways clean. Simply put, we need more money targeted at projects that will position us competitively for a vibrant future in a state Ohioans are proud to call home.

Strategically-directed financing must both ensure the maintenance and enhancement of current assets while developing new, multi-modal financing resources for our citizens and businesses. Transportation MATTERS advocates funding to build a more balanced transportation system — with more money directed at strategic investments that advance Ohio’s economic development goals (Link to Department of Development “Hubs” Plan). Create a reservoir of NEW, predictable and ample financing sources for the development of a well-balanced Ohio system of transportation.

To Maximize Funding:

  • Create an investment strategy that finances projects of value to our economy, our safety, our mobility and our environment.
  • Ensure our current transportation network is well-maintained and enhanced as necessary.
  • Align transportation spending with state priorities to increase economic development, make smarter use of Ohio’s land and improve air quality
  • Provide appropriate investment in initiatives that improve transit service, from increased bus service to bus rapid transit, streetcars, light rail and intercity passenger rail investments that focus growth, attract jobs and new development, and reduce vehicle miles traveled.
  • Increase overall funding for transportation investments by:
  • Supporting the Federal Economic Stimulus bill and reauthorization of the Federal Transportation Act.
  • Supporting transportation funding in the ODOT budget bill and Ohio General Revenue Fund budget.
  • Indexing the current gas tax so that revenues are not lost to inflating prices.
  • Seeking a constitutional amendment for an increase in the gas tax that would address the needs of all transportation modes – waterway, public transportation, aviation and pedestrian/bikeways as well as highway. Use the proceeds of the tax increase to support a new bond financing program so that at minimum, $ 1 billion in bond financing is available each year
  • Promoting and implementing, where appropriate, Public-Private Partnerships.
  • Investigating other potential financing mechanisms which might include, but are not limited to: vehicle registration fee increases, container fees; drivers’ license registration fees and, in the long-term, a Vehicle Miles Traveled transportation user fee.