Cincinnati Metro’s Transit Infrastructure Fund grants to provide $39.2 million in new funding

In Hamilton County, Ohio, 36 transit-related infrastructure projects across 25 communities will receive a combined $39.2 million in new funding from Cincinnati Metro’s second annual round of Transit Infrastructure Fund (TIF) grants.

“The Transit Infrastructure Fund is a critical piece of the Reinventing Metro plan,” said Cincinnati Metro CEO and General Manager Darryl Haley. “This year’s recipient’s projects reflect pedestrian safety improvements, the addition of bike lanes, trails and fiber optics, as well as bridge repairs – all which go to ensure a future-focused, multi-modal community for all commuters in our region. These projects will become a reality, thanks in part to these funds and represent another step on our path to transform our region.”

The TIF was created through the successful passage of Issue 7 in May 2020, which established a 0.8 percent sales tax levy to support Cincinnati Metro bus operations, as well as fund infrastructure improvements within Metro’s Hamilton County service area. One-quarter of that revenue (0.2 percent) goes into the infrastructure fund each year to be used to fund transit-related infrastructure projects such as roads, sidewalks and bridges within the county.

“This innovative grant program represents how mutually beneficial investments in transportation and infrastructure can be for both current transit users and future riders alike,” said Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority (SORTA) Board of Trustees Chairman Kreg Keesee. “The Transit Infrastructure Fund demonstrates SORTA’s commitment to building a truly integrated transportation system for our region.”

In addition to the roughly $8 million the TIF will provide annually for the Western Hills Viaduct replacement over the next 25 years, this year’s grant recipients include the following projects:

• Cincinnati- Trail crossing improvements for the Wasson Way and installation of fiber network in Over-the-Rhine and the West End
• Colerain Township- New sidewalks and bus pull-off bays along Colerain Avenue
• Green Township- Improvements to multiple intersections along North Bend Road
• Norwood- Pedestrian and other safety improvements along Montgomery Road
• Woodlawn- Sidewalk improvements along Springfield Pike and Grueninger Way

 The TIF program is administered by SORTA staff. Applications were scored by an evaluation committee, with final approvals of selected projects granted by the OPWC District 2 Integrating Committee.