OKI, ODOT award more than $83.7 million in funding for transportation projects

The Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana (OKI) Regional Council of Governments and the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) have awarded more than $83.7 million in funding for transportation projects.

OKI

On Sept. 10, OKI Board President and Boone County Judge/Executive Gary Moore awarded $50.7 million for 18 transportation projects in the region.

“The OKI Board has unanimously agreed to make a more than $50 million investment in infrastructure within our three-state region,” Moore said. “These transportation projects will improve mobility and safety for the region’s two million residents, including drivers, transit riders, cyclists and pedestrians.” The projects approved today are what the neighborhoods and cities have told us are critical to their futures. We must not forget that improvements to our transportation infrastructure have a direct impact on the OKI region and our ability to compete in the global economy.”

Since 2020, OKI has awarded nearly $265 million for infrastructure projects as part of its annual federal prioritization program. As part of the funding for transit initiatives, in Ohio, the city of Cincinnati will receive 10 new Metro hybrid buses. In Kentucky, 18 new vehicles will be purchased to support the TANK+ micro-transit program.

“This year’s improvements range from the basic to the advanced, but they all are aimed at making every aspect of life in the region better,” said OKI CEO Mark Policinski. “The goal is to ensure that all trips by car, bus, bike or walking are easier to do and add to the quality of life for everyone in the region. These community projects approved by OKI are wise investments in our safety, our environment and our economy.” 

OKI awarded the funds through the Surface Transportation Block Grant program, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality improvement funds and Transportation Alternatives federal programs.

The full list of projects awarded can be found here.

ODOT

On Oct. 11, Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn awarded more than $23 million in funding support for urban transit entities across the state.

As part of ODOT's Urban Transit Program, $23.1 million will be awarded among Ohio's 26 urban transit agencies. Funding will be used for a variety of purposes such as transit fleet expansion, replacement vehicles, preventative maintenance, facility upgrades, new equipment and technology and operating assistance.

“Public transportation is an important part of our communities,” Gov. DeWine said. “These funds help ensure public transit remains an option for the hundreds of thousands of Ohioans who rely on it daily.”

“Part of ODOT’s mission is to ensure Ohio’s transportation system is accessible, equitable and positioned for the future,” Boratyn said. “These funds not only go directly to support that mission but more importantly to boost the vital service urban transit agencies provide to connect people and improve their quality of life.”    

ODOT’s Office of Transit is administering the awards, which are funded through Ohio's general revenue fund. The full list of awards can be found here.