Projects will improve transportation through the state
COLUMBUS – The Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC) has given final approval to the annual list of projects to receive funding from the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Major New Capacity Program over the next four years. It includes more than $292 million in new funding commitments.
“Our economy depends on smart investments that make our transportation system safe and efficient,” said Governor DeWine. “The projects approved today will keep our economy moving forward.”
TRAC-funded projects focus on enhancing the capacity of Ohio’s transportation system and making it more efficient. The program resumed this year after being paused in 2020 when traffic volumes across the state dipped significantly leading to a decline in revenue from the motor fuel tax. There were 36 new applications requesting $551 million submitted this year.
“As traffic volumes increase, we will continue to be good stewards of the resources entrusted to us. Ohio’s economy is growing. Safe, accessible and well-maintained transportation infrastructure is key to sustaining that economic growth and improving the quality of life for Ohioans,” said ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks. “These latest TRAC projects are evidence of the DeWine-Husted Administration’s ongoing investment in our state.”
NEW COMMITTMENTS FROM TRAC FOR THIS YEAR
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TRAC operates on an annual application cycle. At the completion of the application process TRAC members vote on the approval of the Major New Construction Program List of funding commitments for preliminary engineering, detailed design, right-of-way and project construction. Projects receiving funding commitments are placed into three “tiers” based upon the level of project development:
- Tier I – The group of projects recommended for construction during the upcoming four-year construction period.
- Tier II – The group of projects recommended for additional environmental, design or right-of-way development activities necessary before the projects would be available for construction.
- Tier III – The group of projects with previous phases funded for construction in Tier I. Projects placed in Tier III status are part of a long range funding plan to advance multiple phase projects.
About TRAC:
The Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC) was established by Ohio Revised Code in 1997 to help the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) develop and modify a project selection process which approves funding for the development and construction of the Major New Capacity Program.
The TRAC has nine members and is chaired by the Director of ODOT. Six members are appointed by the Governor and one each by the speaker of the Ohio House of Representatives and the president of the Ohio Senate. Members have overlapping terms. The Director provides funds for new construction only after assuring that system preservation needs have been met. The use of the new construction funds is the responsibility of the TRAC, but the TRAC does not have authority over other aspects of the Department of Transportation.
