Lake County Times

COLUMBUS- The House Aviation and Aerospace Committee today began hearings on House Bill 185, legislation that will reform Ohio’s classification and regulation framework around airports, heliports, vertiports, and spaceports. The bill is sponsored by State Representatives Jamie Callender (R-Concord) and Sarah Fowler Arthur (R-Ashtabula).

House Bill 185 aims to update Ohio’s permitting laws for tall structures to ensure that navigable airspace and future airport expansion are not hindered by new construction. Callender expressed that the current process for approving new construction is burdensome and does not benefit airports, businesses, or taxpayers. He highlighted that the bill will streamline the approval process, leading to faster approval, greater regulatory consistency, and protection for all of Ohio’s airports.

Fowler Arthur emphasized Ohio's historical leadership in aviation and stressed the importance of establishing an airport and airspace permitting process that prioritizes safety, airport operability, and business development. She stated, "Throughout history, Ohio has been a leader in aviation."

House Bill 185 includes provisions to ensure Ohio’s airspace remains competitive, protect local zoning with regulatory approvals for tall structures, streamline approval processes for local projects and aviation hazards, and promote collaboration between ODOT and the FAA in airspace planning for both manned and unmanned aviation.

The legislation is set to undergo further consideration by the committee as Ohio works towards enhancing its aviation sector and maintaining its historical prominence in the aerospace industry.