Ohio’s top transportation official told state lawmakers that drivers could face serious dangers on roads and bridges. His testimony comes in advance of a report expected Friday that’s likely to recommend a gas tax increase.
Ohio Department of Transportation director Jack Marchbanks told the House Finance Committee that finding funding for new infrastructure projects and for existing maintenance isn’t a quick fix.
“We’re talking about bringing the system to a good condition for the next decade. We’re not talking about a couple of years. We’re talking about the next – those numbers are based on now to 2030, 11 years," Marchbanks said.
Marchbanks said ODOT hopes to spend an average of a $1 billion a year to keep up with projects. He also said if there’s more state revenue found for them, some federal funds could be flexed toward public transit.
Marchbanks also warned that for future smart mobility and autonomous vehicles to work, roads have to be in good repair.
