Federal Transportation Funding Extension Leaves Long-Term Questions for Ohio Projects

Federal surface transportation programs will continue operating through December 11 under a temporary funding extension, but construction industry officials are urging Congress to approve a longer-term plan for highways, bridges, rail and public transit.

Ken Simonson, chief economist for the Associated General Contractors of America, said the federal government supplies a significant share of the funding states use to build and repair major highways and bridges.

The Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act was scheduled to expire September 30. Congress extended transportation funding at current levels through December 11, but Simonson said maintaining the same amount does not account for rising construction costs.

The House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee approved the bipartisan BUILD America 250 Act by a 62-2 vote in May. The proposed five-year reauthorization measure would fund roads, bridges, transit, rail transportation and safety programs, but it has not received final congressional approval.

Simonson said delays or a lapse in federal funding could make it difficult for states to plan future projects.

The AGC is also highlighting a Morning Consult poll of more than 10,000 registered voters nationwide. According to the organization, 77% of Ohio respondents supported passing a new federal transportation funding bill, while 69% supported a federal road-use fee for electric and hybrid vehicles.

Supporters argue that EV and hybrid owners should contribute to the Highway Trust Fund because they pay less—or nothing—through the federal gasoline tax. The proposed BUILD America 250 Act includes a new revenue stream intended to ensure highway users contribute toward road maintenance.

AGC reports that 33% of Ohio’s major roads are in poor or mediocre condition. Data from the transportation research organization TRIP estimates deteriorated roads cost Ohio motorists $5.3 billion annually, or about $628 per driver, through vehicle repairs, depreciation, fuel consumption and tire wear.

The organization also says 38% of Ohio bridges were constructed before 1970.

AGC has launched the “America’s Moving Forward” campaign to promote transportation reauthorization. More information is available at americamovingforward.com.