05/20/2022

ACEC Ohio Legislative Update--May 20, 2022

Call to Action SB 56, Infrastructure and ARPA funds appropriated

ODOT Appropriations: This week the Ohio General Assembly amended and passed HB 338 to ensure ODOT has the appropriation authority necessary to take advantage of additional money through the BIL. The Senate added an amendment with a number of transportation-related provisions, including this appropriation, into a motorcycle safety bill (HB 338), and then the House voted to concur on the amended bill. 

Here are the specifics:

Expands ODOT’s appropriation authority by $690 million for federal highway construction funding and public transit funding

Appropriation authority for the Brent Spence Bridge Project

o    Authorizes ODOT to award design/build contracts up to a total of $1.5 billion for the project

o    Requires Controlling Board approval if the contracts will exceed the $1.5 billion threshold

o    Authorizes the Director to compensate not more than three bidders for preparation of a responsive preliminary design concept for the project

Regional Transit Authorities

o    Allows a RTA to issue revenue bonds supported by the proceeds of the RTA’s sales tax

o    Expands COTA’s authority for development activities and sales tax revenue spending

Allows Ohio to enter into agreements with other states to help collect tolls for out of state residents

ARPA Appropriations: The Ohio House passed HB 377 this week to appropriate $422 million of ARPA funds cities, villages and townships with a population of less than 50,000. Larger communities receive their money directly from the federal government. The bill will go to the Ohio Senate for review.

CALL TO ACTION ON SB 56: Call your Ohio House member today and ask that SB 56 be moved through conference committee before the summer recess. This is the ACEC Ohio Indemnification bill which will regulate the use of indemnity provisions in public contracts. State Issues

Your Ohio House Member:

$$LEGISLATOR: State House$$