ODOTs $2.5M study on state-wide highway toll collection put on pause

Ohio lawmakers have paused a $2.5 million study on the possibility of state-wide tolls as part of a long term plan to help fund construction costs 

Just this week, the Ohio Department of Transportation postponed a move to gain approval for a $2.5 million contract that would have conducted a study on the feasibility, potential set up, and location of tolling booths if state-wide tolls were implemented. 

If implemented, the state-wide tolls would fund infrastructure construction costs across Ohio. These costs have risen 30% since 2019 according to ODOT director Pamela Boratyn, reported Cleveland News.

Approval would have come from the Controlling Board, which makes state spending decisions. The Board was already skeptical about approving the study, as the current Governor’s term will end next January, meaning the state will soon see a new administration.

 Rep. Brian Stewart, a Pickaway County Republican who serves on the Controlling Board and chairs the House Finance Committee.

“Speaking for myself, I think that’s a discussion that the next administration needs to be free to have or not have as they see fit,”  Representative Brian Stewart said. “Paying for a study today when the people doing the study likely (won’t) or may not be in a position to carry it out under the next administration didn’t seem to be a good move on our part.”

“This [study] would simply allow future leaders to make an informed decision, should they choose to look at this option down the road (no pun intended),” ODOT spokesman Matt Bruning said. “We are trying to add a tool for future administrations and legislators and hope [the study]  to be back on soon.”

Currently, the Ohio Turnpike is the only toll road in the state of Ohio. Revenue from Ohio’s gas tax currently funds infrastructure construction, but will soon fail to provide enough revenue for the increasing construction costs. 

“I understand why the government is scrambling to look for places (to get revenue),” said House Minority Leader Dani Isaacsohn. But the answer probably lies in restoring taxes for the wealthiest earners to a place that is sustainable for the state of Ohio.”