Governor Mike DeWine (R) and the Ohio Department of Transportation recently issued $8.5 million to support 24 roadwork projects that seek to improve access to developable land, create easier access to existing businesses, and alleviate traffic congestion around commercial areas in 21 counties across the state.
[Above photo by the Ohio Governor’s Office]
“A modern, reliable transportation system is a major catalyst for economic growth and community vitality,” said Gov. DeWine in a statement. “By directing targeted funding into these local infrastructure projects, we are unlocking billions in private sector investment and supporting tens of thousands of jobs for Ohioans.”
Pamela Boratyn, Ohio DOT director, said her agency’s Office of Jobs and Commerce awarded that funding as part of its Transportation Improvement District Program; established to promote collaboration between local governments and private industry and help accelerate transportation projects that support economic development.
Funding through the program can be used for a range of activities, including preliminary engineering, right-of-way acquisition, and construction, Ohio DOT said.
The awarded funds will support both project development and construction activities scheduled for state fiscal year 2027, the agency added.
“Each of these projects not only brings an economic benefit, but a safety benefit to these communities,” Boratyn noted. “We are proud to play a role in making these improvements that will have a lasting impact.”
Other state departments of transportation have also recently engaged in similar economic support efforts.
For example, Connecticut recently issued $10.8 million in grants to 17 towns and cities for projects that improve safety, accessibility, and mobility. That funding comes through the Connecticut Department of Transportation’s “Community Connectivity” grant program. Now in its eighth round of awards, this competitive state-funded program provides construction funding to municipalities for infrastructure improvements that make town centers safer, more vibrant, and welcoming to pedestrians and bicyclists statewide.
“We are proud to help towns and cities bring their own infrastructure priorities to life,” said Garrett Eucalitto, CTDOT’s commissioner, in a statement. Eucalitto is also the immediate past president of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials.
“Communities know what their residents need, and this program gives them the resources to build it,” he added.
Meanwhile, the New Jersey Department of Transportation just provided $44 million to support 33 local bridge projects in 21 counties statewide. That money comes from the state’s Local Bridges Fund, which gets its fiscal support from the New Jersey Transportation Trust Fund.
“Keeping our infrastructure in a state of good repair is critical to the safety, reliability, and capability of our transportation system,” explained Priya Jain, commissioner of the New Jersey DOT, in a statement.
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