The bill amends sections 5501.31, 5521.01, and 5521.011 of the Revised Code to clarify the responsibilities of the Director of Transportation regarding state highways within villages and cities. It introduces new provisions that grant the director the authority to maintain, repair, and improve state highways in municipal areas, contingent upon consultation and approval from the local legislative authority. The director is also empowered to undertake various actions related to highway construction and maintenance, including establishing connecting roads and erecting regulatory signs. Additionally, the bill specifies that the director can proceed with highway improvements even if municipal consent is not granted, provided certain conditions are met.

The bill further outlines the process for obtaining consent from local legislative authorities for establishing or improving federal aid highways. The director must submit a written request for consent, and the local authority has sixty days to respond. If consent is refused or not acted upon, the director may adopt a resolution to proceed as if consent had been granted, with an option for the local authority to appeal to the court of common pleas. The bill also addresses the financial responsibilities of both the director and the municipal corporation regarding highway improvements, allowing the municipality to cover its share of costs through various means and requiring cooperation with the director. Existing sections of the Revised Code that are replaced by these new provisions are repealed to streamline the process for highway development and maintenance.

Statutes affected:
As Introduced: 5501.31, 5521.01, 5521.011, 5521.012