General Assembly Expected to Act This Week on Temporary Motor Fuel Tax Suspension

The Ohio General Assembly is expected to return to Columbus this Tuesday, September 29th, and Wednesday, September 30th, to introduce and approve legislation temporarily suspending Ohio’s motor fuel tax in response to historically high gasoline and diesel prices.

OCA understands the motivation behind the proposal and is sympathetic to the significant impact high fuel prices are having on Ohio families and businesses.

At the same time, OCA has long-standing concerns with suspending a dedicated transportation user fee. As legislators move forward on this, OCA's primary policy principle has been clear: ODOT and local government transportation programs cannot be negatively impacted.

We have been assured by state leaders that the revenue lost during the proposed 90-day suspension will be replaced with General Revenue Fund dollars and that ODOT and local governments will be made whole. Protecting those programs — and ensuring that no projects are delayed, deferred or canceled — will remain OCA’s priority as the General Assembly considers the legislation this week.

We will closely review the legislation when it is introduced to ensure the replacement funding is sufficient, the mechanism is workable, and Ohio’s state and local transportation programs are fully protected.

We are in close communication with ODOT, legislative leaders and other interested parties and will continue to provide updates as information becomes available. If you have questions, please contact OCA Legislative Director Michelle Holdgreve.

Last week, OCA issued the following statement outlining our priorities:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Tuesday, September 22, 2026

OCA Urges Protection of Transportation Funding in Motor Fuel Tax Discussions

COLUMBUS, Ohio — The following statement was issued today by Chris Runyan, President of the Ohio Contractors Association (OCA): “OCA recognizes the very real impact historically high gasoline and diesel prices are having on Ohio families and businesses. OCA members are feeling those same pressures every day as they fuel the trucks and heavy equipment necessary to build and maintain Ohio’s transportation system.

“We understand why state policy makers are looking for ways to provide short term relief at the pump. As those discussions move forward, our priority is seeing that a workable plan is developed that ensures Ohio’s state and local transportation programs remain fully funded.

“Ohio’s motor fuel tax provides critical funding for the Ohio Department of Transportation as well as counties, municipalities and townships across the state. Any temporary suspension must include replacement funding that makes the state and local transportation programs whole and ensures that no transportation project is delayed, deferred or canceled as a result.

“Ohio has made significant investments in its roads and bridges and maintaining that commitment is vital to our economy. Relief for Ohio families and businesses and continued investment in the transportation system they rely on can — and should — go hand in hand.”

About the Ohio Contractors Association
The Ohio Contractors Association is a statewide trade association representing the highway and utility construction industry. OCA members build and maintain the roads, bridges and infrastructure that connect Ohio’s communities and support the state’s economy. The association advocates for a safe, strong and well-funded transportation system and works to advance Ohio’s construction industry.

Questions? Please contact Michelle Holdgreve.

Having Trouble With Online Payments? We're Here to Help!

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ODOT Makes New FHWA 1273 Form Available

Deborah Green, Deputy Director of ODOT’s Division of Small Business & External Workforce Development, made the new FHWA 1273 form available to OCA staff after the recent Heavy/Highway Spec Committee meeting. The revised FHWA 1273 form has been added to ODOT’s website as of September 18th:

New Revision of FHWA 1273 | Ohio Department of Transportation

The notice to industry hasn’t gone out about this revision and Proposal Note 15. If any contractors are interested in using the revised form now, it’s available; however, ODOT can’t require it until it’s in the updated Proposal Note 15 and included in the contract.