ODOT providing funds for community improvements

COLUMBUS

The Ohio Department of Transportation is providing $16 million in funding to communities throughout the state for transportation improvements.

ODOT is spending the next few months working with communities, which can apply for funds under two specialized transportation programs: a small city program and a local bridge replacement program.

Approximately $8 million will go to smaller municipalities as part of the Small City Program, which provides funds to cities with populations from 5,000 to 24,999.

The money can be used for any roadway or safety projects. The Municipal Bridge Program will award $8 million to fix structurally deficient bridges.

Local governments, regional transportation authorities, transit agencies, and natural-resource or public-land agencies are eligible to apply for funding.