On February 12, 2025, Tony Fiore, Executive Director of the Ohio Aviation Association provided proponent testimony in the Ohio House Transportation Committee on the Ohio House introduced the Governor’s proposed transportation budget as HB 54 (Stewart).
Mr. Fiore cited the existing funding in the transportation budget, HB 54, and the general operating budget, HB 96.
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ALI 777471 – Airport Improvements – State – appropriates $10 million in each fiscal year (no change)
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ALI 777472 – Aviation Improvements – Federal – This is flat funded at $405,000 in each fiscal year.
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ALI 777475 – Aviation Administration has a modest increase in FY26 to $6,973,124 and $7,106,246 in FY27.
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ALI 777615 – County Airport Maintenance – $620,000 in FY26 and $620,000 in FY27.
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ALI 772456 – Unmanned Aerial Systems Center – appropriates $500,000 in FY26 and $500,000 in FY27. This is a 102% increase from FY25.
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ALI 777477 – Aviation Infrastructure Bank – State DOT – appropriates $2.4 million in each fiscal year. This is flat funded from the current fiscal year.
Mr. Fiore provided the committee with a proposed amendment that would require all aviation fuel tax collected by the state go back into airport infrastructure projects.
Click here for a copy of the OAA testimony.
Click here to view a video recording of the hearing. The OAA testimony begins at the start of the hearing through minute 22:33.
House Finance Committee Chair Brian Stewart (R-Ashville) said the plan is to adopt the transportation budget sub bill on Tuesday, Feb. 18. Operating budget amendments are due on Friday, March 14, Stewart said, noting his goal is for the budget to pass on the House floor on Wednesday, April 9.
OAA members: Visit the members only page for a more detailed analysis of the budget provisions.
