Critical to Ohio will be re-authorization in 2003 of the federal transportation funding act by Congress. That act could provide much needed new revenue to offset Ohio s declining capital amounts. ODOT, the Ohio General Assembly and the Ohio Congressional delegation will need to work closely to present a united front in advocating for the state when the federal act is renewed. A central issue for Ohio will be how ethanol is addressed. Ohio s use of ethanol as a motor fuel has risen significantly, to about 40 percent of all fuel consumed at the pump.
Ethanol is taxed lower than conventional fuels.
Because Ohio s federal share is determined by its payments into the federal Highway Trust Fund, the rising use of ethanol tends to reduce Ohio s return from the trust fund. Addressing this revenue loss without hurting Ohio s farmers will be a major issue in the transportation re-authorization. Mr. Chairman, members of the committee, thank you for your time and your attention. I have gone on longer than I would have liked but Ohio s transportation system is large and complex. There are many issues to cover.