COLUMBUS — A higher speed limit for trucks takes effect on Ohio interstate highways in 90 days under the transportation budget signed by Gov. Ted Strickland.

The governor put his signature on a two-year, nearly $10 billion transportation spending plan at 11:30 p.m. Wednesday, hours after it passed the Ohio House and Senate. The budget contains about $2 billion in federal economic stimulus money.

The measure will allow truck drivers to push the pedal to up to 65 mph on the state’s interstates, instead of the current truck speed limit of 55 mph.

The budget also will let the state seek federal funds to launch passenger rail service connecting Ohio’s major cities.

And, the legislation makes extended unemployment benefits available to an estimated 35,000 Ohioans.

State Rep. Clyde Evans of Rio Grande announced concurrence between the Ohio House and Senate versions of the state transportation budget bill, House Bill 2. The modified bill was passed by a vote of 70-29.

“Like all bills, this bill contained some language that I did not prefer,” said Evans, whose 87th District includes Gallia, Jackson, Vinton and eastern Lawrence and Ross counties. “But with all of the displaced workers in my district, I could not vote against using federal stimulus money to extend health insurance coverage for the hardworking people who have unfortunately lost their jobs.”

The legislation underwent revisions in a conference committee in which members of the House and Senate reached a final compromise on the bill’s provisions. The final legislation contains $30 million less in fees than originally proposed by the governor. In addition, a compromise was reached to remove the proposed $5.75 increase to the vehicle registration fee.

Over a two-year period, a total of $5.9 million will be infused into Ohio’s economy to repair and expand its transportation system. Included in that amount will be federal stimulus money totaling over $9.3 million for fiscal year 2009.

“With stimulus money for the current fiscal year in place, we will be able to commence construction projects immediately,” Evans said.

Additional changes supported by House Republicans include the removal of the provision to establish a primary offense seat belt law and the elimination of a provision to create an automated speed enforcement system in construction zones. Also, language creating Transportation Innovation Authorities (TIA), which would have established new roads and bridges by local entities, was subtracted from the bill.

One major provision of the legislation that has received much debate is the creation of a passenger rail system, Evans said. The final bill allows for federal stimulus funds to be used for infrastructure upgrades to current freight rail lines, which will create jobs and prepare Ohio for the possibility of passenger rail.

A study is currently being conducted on the viability of such a system and requires approval by a supermajority vote of the State Controlling Board before construction can begin. In addition, operating expenses for a passenger rail system will require approval by the full legislature.

House Republicans also voiced their support for a provision allowing municipalities to reimburse utility companies directly for the relocation of lines related to stimulus projects instead of requiring a rate adjustment for consumers.

As the law currently stands, utilities are reimbursed for relocation of lines when local municipalities need them moved. The utilities pay the cost up front, and then the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) makes adjustments to customers’ rates to reimburse the utilities. Without the provision in House Bill 2, customers’ bills would increase to pay for the cost of relocating utility facilities for stimulus projects.

“Transporting products in and out of Ohio is paramount for economic development,” Evans said. “This bill includes the largest amount of investment in highway construction and repair in Ohio’s history. I am excited about the jobs that it will generate while permitting our business community greater access to markets.”

(The Associated Press contributed to this story).