Regularly Scheduled TRAC Meeting Reminder

COLUMBUS - As a reminder, the Ohio Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC) will hold its next meeting on Thursday, August 12, at 10:00 am at the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Central Office in Columbus. This will not be a voting session.

Chaired by ODOT Director Jolene M. Molitoris, the nine-member TRAC assists in developing a project selection process for ODOT’s largest multi-modal investments.

Having asked cities and local communities across the state to propose major new transportation projects for Ohio’s future, TRAC members will use this meeting to begin their review of 62 applications seeking new investment and new development in all major modes of travel and shipping. More than half of the applications are for new projects.

“From new funding for projects ready for construction to new projects that will be examined and designed for the future, we are looking for those transportation investments that best reflect Governor Strickland's focus on creating jobs and positioning Ohio to compete in a global economy,” said ODOT Director Molitoris.

Over the past two months, applications for new construction investments as well as funding for new planning, design, and right-of-way work have been submitted by local municipalities, county commissioners and county engineers, metropolitan planning organizations and port authorities.

Starting in September and running through October, the TRAC will hold a series of regional public hearings around the state to meet with project sponsors.

ODOT and members of the TRAC will review and score the applications based on criteria which prioritizes projects using a benefit/cost ratio, added to measure the full public benefit of the project, not just traffic and congestion. An enhanced economic development category also scores whether projects reclaim brownfields or improve access to job centers and job-ready sites. The new scoring also emphasizes the need for land use planning and “Smart Growth” strategies, and recognizes communities who partner with state on investments in transportation.

“Every major new road, bridge, rail, transit, airport, bikeway, pedestrian or port project that comes to our department will be judged as an economic development and job growth opportunity,” added Director Molitoris.

More information on the TRAC is available online at www.dot.state.oh.us/TRAC.

WHAT: Regularly Scheduled TRAC Meeting 
WHEN: 10:00 a.m. Thursday, August 12, 2010
WHERE: ODOT Central Office, 1980 W. Broad Street (Room GA), Columbus, Ohio 43223