House Bill 479 Secures Critical Roadway Improvements for Intel Growth Corridor

State Representative Kevin Miller (R-Newark) today announced the Ohio House passed House Bill 479. As Licking County and Central Ohio continue to experience rapid growth driven by Intel's investment, House Bill 479 includes provisions to provide local communities with additional flexibility to complete much-needed roadway improvements throughout the Intel region.

These provisions ensure that previously appropriated infrastructure funding can be fully utilized for critical roadway improvements in communities impacted by Intel. The language provides flexibility for local Transportation Improvement Districts (TIDs) in Franklin, Delaware, and Licking counties to reallocate unused funds among already-approved roadway projects associated with Intel-related growth. The change does not appropriate any new state funding. Instead, it allows local officials to maximize the use of existing dollars and extends the timeframe for project completion by one year.

"As our region continues to experience unprecedented growth, it is critical that we make the most effective use of every infrastructure dollar already committed to these projects," said Miller. "This legislation gives local transportation partners the flexibility they need to complete important roadway improvements without asking taxpayers for additional funding."

The State of Ohio previously committed $90 million for transportation projects supporting the Intel development and surrounding economic growth. Of that amount, $66 million was allocated to local Transportation Improvement Districts, while the remaining $24 million was designated for Ohio Department of Transportation projects.

As construction has progressed, several projects have come in under budget, creating an estimated $3 million to $5 million in available funding. Under current law, those savings cannot easily be redirected to other eligible projects within the same regional infrastructure program. The language included in House Bill 479 allows those unused dollars to be transferred among approved projects, enabling local governments to address additional roadway needs such as widening roads, improving pavement structures, and enhancing long-term durability.

The language received support from local transportation and engineering officials and will help ensure that infrastructure improvements keep pace with continued economic growth throughout the region.

House Bill 479 now heads to the Governor's desk for consideration.