Job Creation and Economic Growth

While leasing the Turnpike may have generated more funds, it brought with it unacceptable ramifications.  Bonding against future Turnpike revenue generates new funds to greatly decrease Ohio’s highway budget deficit as well as rebuild the entire Turnpike sooner than planned.  Maintaining public Turnpike control and an independent Turnpike Commission helps keep tolls low and workers on the job, and better coordination with ODOT keeps virtually all Turnpike revenue in northern Ohio.  Most important, $1.5 billion in new highway funds further strengthens Ohio’s jobs-friendly climate and keeps our state moving.