Ohio’s Transportation Review Advisory Council
Major New Multi-Modal Transportation Projects
approved for Funding
COLUMBUS (Thursday, May 13, 2010) - Prioritizing transportation projects that promote the growth of jobs and economic development, Ohio’s Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC) has approved the state’s plans for investing more than $2.8 billion in a multi-modal transportation system for Ohio’s future.
“Today’s vote is the culmination of months of intensive and productive work and the outcome of a transparent and accountable process for identifying Ohio’s future transportation needs,” said Ohio Department of Transportation Director Jolene M. Molitoris.
The TRAC - the independent committee that assists ODOT in selecting its largest investments - unanimously voted to approve the 2010 listing of major new construction projects. In addition to projects already under construction, the list includes projects ready for new construction and projects that will be studied and designed for potential construction in the future.
“Every major new road, bridge, rail, transit, airport, bikeway, pedestrian or port project that comes to our department is viewed as an economic development and job growth opportunity,” added Director Molitoris, who also noted that the TRAC-approved list includes more than $30 million in proposed new construction investments and nearly $70 million in new planning, design, and right-of-way work.
Over the past several months, ODOT and members of the TRAC reviewed more than 100 project applications submitted by communities and transportation partners throughout Ohio. The TRAC also held a series of regional public hearings around the state to meet with project sponsors. The TRAC received nearly 600 public comments submitted in support of the recommended funding.
Through the 2010-2014 planning horizon, the TRAC has approved $2.877 billion of total investments by ODOT through its Major New Construction Program, which targets all multi-modal projects more than $5 million in cost that add capacity to the state transportation system.
Among the projects on the list are $14.5 million in new funds to modernize and reconfigure the Interstate 75 West Carrolton interchange near Dayton - a project that will ignite redevelopment near the former General Motors Moraine Assembly plant; $15 million toward the Cincinnati Streetcar plan, a project that would connect the city’s two largest employment centers with electric streetcars; and $3 million for detailed design work on the State Route 7 Chesapeake Bypass to help ease congestion and spur economic development along the Ohio River in Southern Ohio.
The TRAC also approved the state’s future investment of $400 million in new federal stimulus funds in the 3C “Quick Start” Passenger Rail Service - an effort to restore passenger rail service connecting Cleveland, Columbus, Springfield, Dayton and Cincinnati by as early as 2012.
Also at the meeting, the TRAC welcomed its newest member on the nine-member council. Matthew Elli, a 25-year non-profit and private-sector veteran, was appointed by Governor Strickland earlier this month.
The complete 2010 TRAC list of Major New Projects is available online at www.dot.state.oh.us/TRAC.
For more information contact:
Scott Varner, ODOT Central Office Communications, at 614-644-8640
or Your Local ODOT Communications Office