South Ohio News

State Representatives Justin Pizzulli and Jason Stephens have expressed their support for House Bill 54, the State Transportation Budget. The bill, which passed unanimously in the House, is designed to fund Ohio's transportation infrastructure for fiscal years 2026-2027. It focuses on maintaining vital infrastructure, promoting economic development, and enhancing public safety.

A notable provision in the bill allocates $2 million for a feasibility study by the Ohio Department of Transportation. This study will explore the potential development of an I-73 corridor along U.S. Route 23 from Toledo to Chesapeake, Ohio, with a completion deadline of December 31, 2026.

Representative Pizzulli emphasized the importance of this initiative for economic growth in Appalachia: "One of the biggest barriers to economic development in Appalachia is access to good paying jobs," he stated. "An interstate from Columbus to southern Ohio will incentivize job creators to invest in the southern Appalachian region."

Stephens echoed these sentiments, noting that "an interstate from Toledo to southern Ohio will directly spur economic development through job creation." He described it as "forward-thinking policy that will be transformative for southern Ohio and the greater Appalachia region."

The bill now awaits further deliberation in the Ohio Senate.