Two million dollars has been approved by the Ohio Department of Transportation to study routing of a connector from I-75 west to the CSX Intermodal Yard in Henry Township.

Using a new scoring system that emphasizes transportation investments connected to jobs creation and economic development, Ohio’s Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC) is recommending $103.2 million in new state funding commitments into several multi-modal projects across the state.

The TRAC - the independent committee that assists the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) in selecting its largest investments - unveiled its 2010 draft listing of major new construction projects. In addition to projects that are already under construction, the list includes projects ready for new construction and projects that will be studied and designed for potential construction in the future.

From a draft list of 2010 - 2014 Major New Construction, listed is $2 million budgeted for 2011, for the study of possible routes. The list also shows $18 million being ear-marked for the project. Also listed is $2 million for study of adding a third lane to I-75 from Findlay to Toledo in 2012. The project list shows $363 million for this massive undertaking.

Public comment on this draft list of investments is being accepted through May 3. The TRAC is expected to finalize the list at its meeting May 13. It is very important that local residents make their comments known to ODOT so that ample consideration is given to protecting our way of life here in NB. The number one consideration, according to ODOT, is safety. We must share with the powers that be, the major concerns for safety that we as a community have with the increase truck AND rail traffic.

The complete 2010 TRAC draft list of Major New projects - as well as information about public comment - is available online at www.dot.state.oh.us/TRAC.

The TRAC will be accepting public comment on the Draft TRAC List until close of business Monday, May 3, 2010. Please submit your comments via email to: TRAC@dot.state.oh.us

or by mail to:
TRAC
Attention: Ed Kagel, P.E. - TRAC Coordinator
Office of Systems Planning and Program Management
1980 West Broad Street
Columbus, Ohio 43223

The TRAC will review all public comments and approve the final list on Thursday, May 13, 2010.