Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and Ohio Department of Transportation Director Pamela Boratyn announced $13.5 million to support public workforce transportation in rural and urban areas of Ohio.
ODOT is awarding the funding to transit agencies in 13 counties through the Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership Program (OWMP). The money will support 19 transit projects that increase the ease and efficiency of transporting residents to economically significant employment centers or places of employment outside their home communities.
"When we connect workers directly to reliable transportation, our entire economy improves," said Governor DeWine. "This new round of funding ensures that hard-working Ohioans can easily reach growing employment centers, helping businesses stay fully staffed and competitive."
The OWMP Program was established with support from the Ohio General Assembly. It provides funding for infrastructure, equipment, technology, vehicles, and planning projects.
"Ohio's economic momentum depends on a strong, dependable workforce, and getting people to work is a critical piece of that puzzle," said Lt. Governor Tressel. "By investing in smart, efficient transit options, we are empowering Ohioans to take advantage of new job opportunities while strengthening our state's workforce team."
"ODOT is proud to continue expanding accessible transit solutions for communities across Ohio," said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. "This year's OWMP grant awards will provide transit agencies with the vital resources they need to modernize fleet routes and ensure every Ohioan has a path to economic opportunity."
In this grant cycle, funding will support projects operated by local transit authorities, regional transportation districts, and county partners. Projects include purchasing bus equipment, replacing existing equipment, expanding transit facilities, improving signage, and modernizing bus shelters.