ODOT WELCOMES PUBLIC INPUT ON TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM

(COLUMBUS) -- In accordance with federal guidelines, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) is releasing its draft FY2008-2011 Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP) for public review and comment.

Based on projections from 2006, the STIP is a draft listing of all federal and state-funded transportation projects scheduled for implementation over the next four-year period. As part of the public outreach effort, each of ODOTs 12 District Offices will hold a variety of local meetings to allow citizens to review and comment on the plan.

Copies of the STIP can also be reviewed at Ohios 17 Metropolitan Planning Organization offices, ODOTs 12 District Offices, or the departments Central Office in Columbus. The comment period will run from April 2nd through April 13th. A final version of the proposed STIP will be submitted to the Federal Highway Administration and Federal Transit Administration for approval in mid-May.

Also available for public review and comment will be an ACCESS OHIO Administrative Modification. ACCESS OHIO is Ohios long range transportation plan. This Modification identifies revisions to Ohios long range planning activities to meet the new federal planning requirements from SAFETEA-LU.

Information on the STIP, the Administrative Modification, and the public meetings is available on ODOTs Office of Systems Planning and Program Managements Web site.

Any written comments concerning the STIP should be sent to:

Jennifer Townley, Administrator
Office of Systems Planning and Program Management
Ohio Department of Transportation
1980 W. Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43223

Written comments must be received by the close of business April 16.