12/23/04-HB582, which would allow the state to borrow $23.4 million to subsidize the Ohio Turnpike Commission’s proposed temporary toll reduction for trucks, has died.
The provision, however, has been added to another bill – HB406 – forwarded to Gov. Bob Taft for approval.

11/22/04-Rep. Stephen Buehrer, R-Delta, has introduced a bill that would allow the state to borrow $23.4 million to subsidize the Ohio Turnpike Commission’s proposed temporary toll reduction for trucks.
Fuel tax revenue, typically reserved for highway work, would go to repay the $23.4 million over the 10-year life of the bonds.
The bill would also streamline the public hearing process that usually precedes any toll change.
Gov. Bob Taft sought the reduction, along with an increase in truck speed limits from 55 mph to 65 mph along the Ohio Turnpike, as part of a plan to steer trucks off overloaded two-lane roads and back onto the toll road.
As proposed, the reductions will vary from about 2 percent for Class 4 trucks to 57 percent for Class 9 trucks.
For Class 8 trucks, the toll to travel the length of the 241-mile route between Indiana and Pennsylvania will drop from $42.45 to $31 – a 27 percent discount – to cross the state.
Buehrer’s proposal – HB582 – could ultimately be added to Ohio’s capital budget, a wish list of school, highway, and other construction projects that is to be voted on before the session ends late next month.
State law now requires at least three public hearings and a public comment period of 90 days preceding toll changes.
The bill would reduce that to one public comment gathering at least 30 days before a temporary decrease lasting 18 months or less would take effect.
That means the reduction could take effect as early as January.
HB582 is before the House Finance & Appropriations Committee.
For bill status, call (614) 466-8842. In Ohio, call 1-800-282-0253.