Ohio steers $13.5 million toward transit that gets workers to jobs

COLUMBUS – Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel and Ohio Department of Transportation Director Pamela Boratyn announced $13.5 million to support public workforce transportation. The money will help rural and urban areas of Ohio. ODOT is awarding the funding to transit agencies in 13 counties through the Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership Program, known as OWMP. The money will support 19 transit projects. Each one is meant to make it easier and more efficient for residents to reach major employment centers or jobs outside their home communities. What the program pays for The Ohio General Assembly helped establish the OWMP Program. It provides funding for infrastructure, equipment, technology, vehicles and planning projects. In this grant cycle, the money will go to projects run by local transit authorities, regional transportation districts and county partners. Planned work includes buying bus equipment and replacing existing equipment. Other projects will expand transit facilities, improve signage and modernize bus shelters. What state leaders are saying DeWine tied the funding to the state's economy. "When we connect workers directly to reliable transportation, our entire economy improves," he said. He added that the new round of funding helps Ohioans reach growing employment centers and helps businesses stay staffed and competitive. Tressel focused on the workforce. "Ohio's economic momentum depends on a strong, dependable workforce, and getting people to work is a critical piece of that puzzle," he said. He said smart, efficient transit options empower Ohioans to take advantage of new job opportunities. Boratyn said the awards will give transit agencies resources to modernize their fleets and routes. "ODOT is proud to continue expanding accessible transit solutions for communities across Ohio," she said.