After more than 10 months of careful study and deliberation, the state has decided not to lease the Ohio Turnpike. Instead, the turnpike would issue bonds backed by future toll revenue and use that money to build critical transportation projects mostly in Northern Ohio.
“The Ohio Chamber of Commerce commends Gov. Kasich for working with and listening to citizens, elected officials and business leaders to determine how best to make use of the economic potential of the Ohio Turnpike... ”
–Andy Doehrel, Ohio Chamber President & CEO
“... The turnpike is a critical transportation asset for our state and it's clear that the necessary time was taken to consider all of the available options...”
–Andy Doehrel, Ohio Chamber President & CEO
“... A strong transportation system is key to our state's economy, and Gov. Kasich's innovative plan will ensure that we have the infrastructure in place to meet the demands of Ohio's job creators.”
–Andy Doehrel, Ohio Chamber President & CEO
“On behalf of our members, I personally endorse Governor Kasich’s Turnpike proposal. The governor got it right. It keeps my people working.”
–Gary Tiboni, President of Teamsters Local 436,
(represents 688 Turnpike employees)
“Deriving income from the sale of bonds will keep the turnpike ownership in the hands of Ohioans, after all, we (all Ohioans) are the caretakers of this state. Thank you, Governor Kasich.”
–Patrick Sink, Ohio Operating Engineers Business Managers
“The governor listened to the people of Ohio. He did what he said he would do at the beginning of this process – gather as much data as possible, study it carefully, and reach decisions that are best for all Ohioans.”
–Chris Runyan, President
Ohio Contractors Association
“Gov. Kasich’s plan is a much more responsible approach to infrastructure funding than taking a one-time payment and surrendering control of a valuable corridor to a private group...”
– Bill Graves, President and CEO,
American Trucking Association
“... this new plan will almost certainly avoid steep increases in freight transportation costs, as well as the diversion of large trucks onto smaller secondary roads that privatization would have produced...”
– Bill Graves, President and CEO,
American Trucking Association
“... We are grateful to the Governor for his willingness to work with the Ohio Trucking Association to find a solution that is fair to the trucking industry.”
– Bill Graves, President and CEO,
American Trucking Association
“The news of Gov. Kasich’s plan for the Ohio Turnpike sounds like a unique opportunity to leverage one of our transportation gems in the right way, ‘the Ohio Way’...”
– Fredrick B. Pausch, Executive Director,
County Engineers Association of Ohio
“We're very excited about the governor's plan and I am personally very pleased about the partnership being forged by the Ohio Turnpike Commission and the Ohio Department of Transportation, which will benefit residents along the turnpike corridor and all Ohioans...”
– Fulton County Recorder &
Ohio Turnpike Commission Member Sandy Barber
“This plan is going to help create new jobs and I like that the funding will help maintain Ohio's transportation system as well as allow us to continue making improvements.”
– Fulton County Recorder &
Ohio Turnpike Commission Member Sandy Barber
“I'm gratified that as a trade association representing a major user of the turnpike, we have had many opportunities to voice our concerns with the Ohio Turnpike Commission, ODOT, KPMG, and the Governor's Office. They listened to us and that means a lot.” - OTA Statement
–Larry Davis, OTA President
“I am very pleased with Governor Kasich’s recent decision concerning control of the Ohio Turnpike. As the Mayor of the City of Streetsboro, a community that relies heavily on the Turnpike to bring jobs, commerce and people to the community, the health of the Turnpike is of paramount concern...”
– Glenn M. Broska, Mayor, The City of Streetsboro
“... With control retained by the Turnpike Commission, we have guaranteed that our Turnpike will continue to be a safe, efficient, and well maintained highway. I also believe that the Governor’s decision will assist in our collective long term goal of recruiting strong business and more jobs to our State and local communities...”
– Glenn M. Broska, Mayor, The City of Streetsboro
“... The Governor’s decision calls for use of toll revenues to enable Ohio to sell bonds to be used to improve Northern Ohio’s roadway system. Improved roadways will make Ohio more attractive to business and industry. And this in turn, will markedly increase local opportunity for jobs and commerce.”
– Glenn M. Broska, Mayor, The City of Streetsboro
“For residents of Williams County, the future of the Ohio Turnpike is of utmost importance. The Turnpike is woven into the fabric of our county and is an important asset for our economic development. Governor Kasich honored his promise to carefully study the issue and listen to those of us in northern Ohio with a stake in the Turnpike...”
– Brian Davis, Commissioner, Williams County
“... We appreciate the Governor’s sensitivity to our concerns around truck diversion and preserving the economic competitiveness of our area. This plan makes sense for Ohio and puts in place provisions to keep toll rates low, while leveraging as much money as possible for highway constriction in our area.”
– Brian Davis, Commissioner, Williams County
“With two turnpike exits in our county, the turnpike is extremely important to us and we are very pleased with the governor's plan since it preserves the integrity of the turnpike while at the same time will boost economic development...”
– Portage County Auditor Janet Esposito
“The freeze on local tolls is a great benefit to our residents. I'm very pleased to see ODOT and the Turnpike Commission working together for local residents and all Ohioans.”
– Portage County Auditor Janet Esposito
“Many residents of North Ridgeville and northeast Ohioans were holding their breathe today to hear about the Governor’s long awaited plan for the future of the Ohio turnpike. It’s a home run! The Kasich Administration listened to our feedback and arrived at the right place on how to make best use of the Ohio Turnpike...”
–Dave Gillock, Mayor, North Ridgeville
“... This will allow us to significantly accelerate a few local projects that have long been stalled on the ODOT schedule of projects. I’m pleased that politics could be set aside to reach a cooperative agreement that will help move Ohio forward.”
–Dave Gillock, Mayor, North Ridgeville
“... I applaud the results of the analysis regarding the future of the Ohio Turnpike. It is obvious that all parties have taken a very wise and calculated approach to preserving the transportation assets and infrastructure of our state...”
–R.E. Greenlese, Member, Ohio Rail Development Commission
“... Gov. Kasich, ODOT Director Wray and the Turnpike Commission are to be applauded for their very far-sighted plan. The plans shows initiative and a very smart approach to long-range planning at a time when it is most needed...”
–R.E. Greenlese, Member, Ohio Rail Development Commission
“... To include the Turnpike Commission in the mix is extremely wise and underscores a desire to be inclusive and innovative. My compliments to all and best wishes for a successful future.”
–R.E. Greenlese, Member, Ohio Rail Development Commission
“Tackling the Ohio Turnpike challenge is an historic victory for all Ohioans and not just those in northern Ohio. Countless economic studies show that transportation investments without deficit spending create jobs...”
–David Greenspan, Cuyahoga City Council Member
“... Job growth comes from a reliable transportation network that is fast and cost effective, and Governor Kasich’s plan to invest now, instead of paying later, is a long-term solution to a problem that would be a burden to localities in northern Ohio down the road.”
–David Greenspan, Cuyahoga City Council Member
“... I appreciate the fact that the Ohio Turnpike will continue to exist under the State of Ohio without a lease or sale. I believe as a result, the quality and ridability of the highway and the efficiency of operation will continue and serve our communities at the level of service we are so very accustomed to...”
–Jerry N. Hruby, Mayor, City of Brecksville,
Chairman, Ohio Turnpike Commission
“... I am so very pleased on behalf of our employees who should no longer fear the loss of their job, benefits and current working conditions. I am also pleased for the Administration of the Turnpike who has done much in the past two years to make the system more efficient, cost effective and, certainly, dedicating itself to serving the public in the best possible way with the best possible services and facilities...”
–Jerry N. Hruby, Mayor, City of Brecksville,
Chairman, Ohio Turnpike Commission
“...I believe the governor listened to the concerns of Northern Ohio about the turnpike and responded in a very fair and sound manner.”
–Tom Humphries, President
Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber
“I did speak to the Governor yesterday and I did say to him that his is the best outcome around a very anxious decision he that had to make. And a very potentially controversial decision around the turnpike...”
–Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson
“...What he has done in his conclusion, really gives us the resources we need to invest in the infrastructure of the turnpike to insure its life. It gives us the ability not only to retain jobs, but to create additional jobs...”
–Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson
“... And the funding that is so needed to move projects up that for were years away based on the shortage of funding at ODOT and move them up to a much closer date. So I think it’s a good decision, good process, good outcome, good decision, good for Cleveland, good for northeastern Ohio...”
–Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson
“...Thank you Governor for this process and the outcome.”
–Cleveland Mayor Frank Jackson
“Governor Kasich’s Turnpike proposal means more jobs and economic growth for Cincinnati. We have significant infrastructure needs in our region and across the state that will only be met through this type of innovative approach.”
–Gary Lindgren,
Executive Director, Cincinnati Business Committee
“To my constituents, the future of the Ohio Turnpike is a real issue that cannot be punted down the road any longer and I commend Governor Kasich for taking this issue very seriously and listening to those of us who regularly use the Turnpike...”
–Tommie Jo Marsilio, Commissioner, Portage County
“...I personally thanked the Governor today for his leadership on this issue and for his innovative thinking to best utilize our Turnpike asset. Over the past year, we have had exhaustive conversations about how to best utilize Ohio’s Turnpike...”
–Tommie Jo Marsilio, Commissioner, Portage County
“...Unfortunately, sensitive state issues like these are often easy targets for political leaders looking to polarize Ohioans. That is why I declined to support a statement in opposition being developed by Cuyahoga County Executive Ed Fitzgerald...”
–Tommie Jo Marsilio, Commissioner, Portage County
“... This plan is right for our area and gives us the competitive advantage we need to strengthen our jobs climate in northeast Ohio.”
–Tommie Jo Marsilio, Commissioner, Portage County
“Right out of the gate, I wasn't happy about leasing it. This might be a good compromise. It keeps the infrastructure how we like it, and yet we won't see other roads deteriorate.”
–Sen. Gayle Manning, North Ridgeville
“I commend ODOT for identifying new revenue opportunities to advance statewide infrastructure projects. As the Dayton Chamber works closely with businesses in southwest Ohio on expansion and relocation opportunities, it is critical that we have an efficient highway system...”
–Phillip L. Parker,
President & CEO, Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce
“ODOT has proven that they are committed to identifying new and innovative revenue generating opportunities for statewide projects that do not over burden the Ohio business community.”
–Phillip L. Parker,
President & CEO, Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce
“It doesn’t just must make sense, it makes perfect sense. That we are now going to pay for our deficit in infrastructure using tolls, not taxes...”
–Rep. Bill Patmon, D-Cleveland
“...You can’t beat it, it makes perfect sense and for that I back this Governor on this project. Because I did make a public statement that if it made sense I would. So Governor you have my 100-percent backing on this one because it does make sense for the people of the state of Ohio.”
–Rep. Bill Patmon, D-Cleveland
“The governor is proposing a plan that is the best of all possible options. This will bring additional dollars to the region for major infrastructure improvements that are critical to economic development in the region. We greatly appreciate that those involved in this study reached out to us and listened to our ideas and concerns the plan reflects that.”
–Tom Perciak, Mayor, Strongsville
“...I applaud Governor John Kasich’s plan for leveraging the Ohio Turnpike which will provide $1.5 billion to improve our aging transportation system and preserve our competitive advantage these highways provide.”
–Don Robart, Mayor, Cuyahoga Falls
“(T)his plan does this while keeping the Ohio Turnpike Commission intact, keeps tolls on the Turnpike amongst the lowest in the nation, keeps our local residents employed by the Commission, as well as rebuilds this important asset in the process.”
–Don Robart, Mayor, Cuyahoga Falls
“Commerce of Northern Ohio will get a big push from this. [The governor’s] been sensitive to making sure that we respected the fact that this Turnpike is really built by Northern Ohioans...”
–Joe Roman, President and CEO, Greater Cleveland Partnership
“In terms of where the money will go, you’ll respect whose paying the tolls…I think this is the model for how we’re going to get infrastructure projects done in the future. I think it’s a great thing.”
–Joe Roman, President and CEO, Greater Cleveland Partnership
“Governor Kasich’s turnpike plan is definitely a positive pro-economic, pro-employment and pro-Ohio plan and a significant step toward expediting and financing our transportation projects. The Governor’s team has again succeeded in moving our state forward.”
–David A. Taylor, Mayor, Amherst
“Most of the people in Ohio want to see the turnpike administration stay the way it is. I think the governor is to be commended.”
–Rep. Lynn Wachtmann, Napoleon
“As a businessman very interested in economic development in the region and the entire state, I'm extremely pleased with the governor's plan...”
–Dan White, President, Norwalk Furniture
“Living near the turnpike I am very much aware of the essential role it plays in this region. The decision to preserve the integrity of the turnpike while also coming up with an innovative way to fund other critical projects should be applauded.”
–Dan White, President, Norwalk Furniture
“I was pleased to see the Governor’s decision and I’m excited that transportation projects in our area will be accelerated -- especially at a time when economic development is critical to our county...”
–Tom Williams, Lorain County Commissioner
“I was glad to see that the Governor listened to our feedback and waited before making any decision until he gathered the thoughts from of all the stakeholders in northern Ohio. It was nice to see such transparency in this process...”
–Tom Williams, Lorain County Commissioner
“...and I hope this sets the stage for how we can begin to address other critical issues facing our state. Ohio is leading by example and I look forward to working with the new commission”
–Tom Williams, Lorain County Commissioner
“The plan proposed to the Kasich administration by KPMG offers us a unique opportunity to cut into this backlog of unmet needs while preserving a valuable capital asset.”
–Donald L. Mader,
American Council of Engineering Companies of Ohio
“This plan would allow Ohio to really improve its transportation system without raising taxes, which is important in this still-fragile economy.”
–Donald L. Mader,
American Council of Engineering Companies of Ohio
“Add to that the jobs that would be created, and we believe you have a plan that is very well thought-out and is simply too good to let pass by.”
–Donald L. Mader,
American Council of Engineering Companies of Ohio
“The citizens of Ohio are fortunate to have the forward thinking and leadership of Governor Kasich as we continue to improve Ohio’s economic climate and environment for job growth, a critical component of our economic recovery is transit-oriented development projects. Today’s announcement is great news for Hamilton County’s growth and recovery.”
–Greg Hartman, Hamilton County Commission President
“[w]e will be able to leverage whatever dollars become available to us from this into private funding for P3 partnership programs. I foresee our using these dollars and match funding into getting projects under contract and underway over the next four years in the I-75 corridor; Eastern and Freight Corridor Multi-modal programs; and the MLK interchange, just to name a few...”
–Todd Portune, Hamilton County Commissioner
“Every $1 Billion in transportation projects means 30,000 jobs for people in our region who desperately need the work.”
–Todd Portune, Hamilton County Commissioner
“After months of speculation about Governor Kasich’s intentions to use the Ohio Turnpike as a revenue generator, I’m pleased to see that he has chosen what I consider to be the wisest option...”
–Rob Duncan, Mayor, Norwalk
“ That is, the Governor’s plan maintains the Ohio Turnpike as a public entity, and at the same time, uses the Turnpike’s tremendous earning potential to leverage additional bond monies for infrastructure improvements throughout northern Ohio, while ensuring that tolls will remain affordable.”
–Rob Duncan, Mayor, Norwalk
The Ohio Turnpike Opportunity Analysis can be read in its entirety on this page, or you can download a PDF copy to be saved or printed.
The Ohio Turnpike Opportunity Analysis was commissioned by the state to assess the options available to unlock the value in the Ohio Turnpike, while preserving its future viability and quality of service. The scope of the analysis was to conduct an assessment of the commercial, financial, strategic and technical current and future needs of the Turnpike.
If you have any comments, questions or ideas about the proposed changes regarding the Ohio Turnpike, please contact us.
The program calls for issuing $1.5 billion in new bonds—issued by the Ohio Turnpike Commission and backed by future turnpike revenue. An additional $1.5 billion can be generated from matching local and federal funds to generate approximately $3 billion for major Ohio transportation projects.
The Ohio Turnpike Commission has played an important role in Ohio's transportation history and it will remain the ultimate Ohio Turnpike authority. In addition to the Turnpike, the Commission will take on new and expanded authority over other vital transportation projects around the state and will be called the Ohio Turnpike and Infrastructure Commission.
Tolls for local passenger trips that are paid with EZ Pass will be frozen at current levels for the next 10 years. For all other tolls (longer passenger trips and all truck trips) any increases will be capped at the rate of inflation, or approximately 2.7 percent annually, assuming sustained traffic growth at the historic 1 percent rate. This low, stable rate will be less than half the rate of increase that passenger tolls have seen over the past 20 years and almost a full percentage point less than past increases to truck tolls.
Under the Governor's plan, maintenance of the Turnpike will continue at the same level. In fact, additional funding will be committed to improve the road and to make needed repairs and upgrades. A portion of bond proceeds will accelerate a badly-needed reconstruction of the Turnpike’s roadbed.
For every $1 billion in new road construction spending, 30,000 jobs are created. That's more money into the pockets of hardworking Ohioans and a contribution to Ohio's economic recovery.