By 1812Blockhouse; ODOT Press Release
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Jack Marchbanks have announced more than $100 million in investments to support quality public transportation in Ohio.
A total of $106 million will be awarded to 384 transit projects throughout Ohio. ODOT’s Office of Transit is awarding the funds through seven separate grant programs that focus on workforce mobility, senior citizen and special needs transportation, rural transit, and busing.
These projects include several in Richland County, awarded in three distinct programs.
“This funding will help ensure that transportation is not a barrier to opportunity. We are improving the quality of life for Ohioans who depend on public transportation to access jobs, education, and medical services,” said Governor DeWine.
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.
“Transportation isn’t just about moving vehicles; it’s about moving people. These grant funds target the pillar of ODOT’s mission to make transportation accessible, especially in our rural communities,” said Director Marchbanks.
Specialized Seniors & Individuals with Disabilities Transit Program
$8,686,932 to 83 projects intended to enhance mobility for seniors and people with disabilities in small urbanized and rural areas. Funding goes to agencies that serve the special needs of transit-dependent populations beyond traditional public transportation services.
The local recipient under this program was the Mary Mcleod Bethune Intervention and Enrichment Center, which received $12,800 for Preventative Maintenance via General Revenue Funds
Ohio Mobility Management Program
$4,618,738 for five regional planning and 34 local mobility management projects dedicated to increasing access to mobility for Ohioans. This is done by increasing understanding and awareness of transportation needs, promoting coordination of transportation options to meet needs, and building sustainable and healthy communities by integrating transportation into planning and programs.
The local awards were for the Area Agency on Aging 5 in Mobility Management, which received $137,286 in Federal funds. The Richland County Regional Planning Commission’s Regional Coordinated Planning initiative received $112,000 from the Federal & State General Revenue Fund
Ohio Transportation Partnership Program II
$37,100,000 for 199 various projects intended to provide state funds to rural and urban transit systems in Ohio. The goal is to maintain, sustain, or keep these systems in a good sound state. Projects include regionalization, coordination, technology, service expansion workforce initiatives, and healthcare initiatives.
Received awards locally were the Richland County Transit Board which received $143,733 for Preventative Maintenance; the Richland County Transit Board Richland Admin Office Roof Replacement project which brought in $135,950 in Federal Flex Funds; and funding for two Richland County Transit Board Replacement Vehicles, each of which was pegged at $165,000.
