“This is a major step in the maintenance and upgrading of our roads and bridges,” said David V. Finley, managing director of OCIA.  “We can now rest assured that much-needed improvements to our highway network can move forward.”

Highlights of the bill include:

--Phases in a 6-cent increase in the state gasoline tax by 2 cents a year over three years. In the third year, however, if the federal government meets certain highway funding goals, the state would reduce up to 2 cents of the increase. 

-- Increases the fee for vehicle registrations by $11 instead of $8, and the fee on licenses by $12 instead of $10.

--Creates a distribution system to provide townships their share of the gasoline tax. Under the system, all townships would receive a base amount, but townships with more roads and registered vehicles could receive additional funding.

--Lowers the drunken driving standard from 0.10 percent blood alcohol content to 0.08 percent, as mandated by a 2000 federal law.

--Allow owners of some vehicles to register their motor vehicles every two years.

-- Gives the Ohio Department of Natural Resources the authority to sell as lumber the fallen and damaged trees from an ice storm that hit the Shawnee State Forest in southern Ohio. Most of the proceeds will be used to fix damaged and blocked roads.

-- Eliminates a 3-cent-a-gallon tax surcharge on diesel fuel, beginning in 2005.

-- Increases the motorcycle training fee from no more than $25 to no more than $50.

 “With the passage of this bill, Ohio’s leaders have demonstrated their commitment to a safe, secure and efficient transportation system in our state.  As a result, we can expect better commutes, safer roadways and economic benefits for all Ohioans.”