Feds may revive Ohio Turnpike leasing grant

CLEVELAND (AP) — The U.S. Department of Transportation says it’s ready to revive an application for a $1.5 million grant to study the leasing of the Ohio Turnpike.

The agency says it will allow use of federal money for such a study if the application gets adjusted. Washington approved an earlier grant but backed off and said the application must be tailored to the turnpike study.

The quest for the federal money has become part of a political issue over leasing the turnpike.

The administration of Gov. John Kasich says a lease would mean a financial windfall for Ohio. Opponents worry about higher tolls and shoddy maintenance.

According to The Plain Dealer of Cleveland, Washington felt Ohio’s initial funding request did not accurately portray the project.