Kasich seeks advisers on lease of Ohio Turnpike

COLUMBUS (AP) — Gov. John Kasich says he will hire a team of private consultants to help the state determine how to get the best financial bang from the Ohio Turnpike.

Kasich’s plan calls for the winning team also to play the coveted role of soliciting and picking a private operator for the roadway, if that option is pursued.

The Republican governor believes leasing the turnpike could bring the financially ailing state as much as $2.5 billion.

The 241-mile toll way runs across northern Ohio from Pennsylvania to Indiana.

Kasich outlined the consultant strategy in a release late Monday. Interested consultant teams have until midnight Aug. 24 to submit proposals. The state budget office will work in conjunction with the Ohio Department of Transportation on the deal.