ODOT seeks new federal funds for future transportation projects

COLUMBUS — Electric cars, a new runway for landing futuristic aerospace equipment, and access to new jobs along the Ohio River — those are three of the 12 projects the Ohio Department of Transportation is hoping will receive funding through a new stream of federal transportation dollars.

ODOT is seeking a share of $600 million in new federal funds appropriated by the U.S. Department of Transportation for its TIGER II Discretionary Grants program.

This new federal funding is similar to the Transportation Investment Generating Economic Recovery — or “TIGER grants” — authorized under the Recovery Act.

“This money will go to the kinds of projects that will help spur lasting economic growth, reduce gridlock, provide safe, affordable and environmentally sustainable transportation choices and create jobs,” said U.S. Transportation Secretary Ray LaHood when he announced the program earlier this year.

“We selected projects based on their ability to create jobs, leverage new private sector investment, and further transform Ohio into a premier national and global logistics location,” said ODOT Director Jolene M. Molitoris.