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01/17/2019

Message from Beth -- January 17, 2019

Transportation Funding Coalition Kicks Off Efforts

FOR Ohio Logo

Fix Our Roads (FOR) Ohio Coalition Kicks Off

Last June, ACEC Ohio became a founding member of the FOR Ohio Coalition which was established to secure funding for the state’s roads and bridges. A diverse group of organizations from industry, local government, business and regional planning have since joined the effort to move this issue through the Ohio General Assembly in 2019.  ACEC Ohio is one of six organizations to serve on the steering committee.

As many of our members are aware, the decline of funding for roads and bridges spreads from the Ohio Department of Transportation to the local roads and bridges maintained by the counties or municipalities.  According to a recent report by a national research group, TRIP, 30 percent of Ohio’s major roads are in poor or mediocre condition.  With ODOT’s FY 2020 budget proposal showing a decrease to $1.7 billion from a high of $2.4 billion in 2014, there is no money for major new construction and decreased funding for maintenance/preservation as well as local projects.

The coalition has been working with the DeWine Administration and Ohio Legislative Leaders to share the needs and potential solutions.  As an ACEC Ohio Member, we ask that you start talking to your local legislators now about the issue and your support for increased funding.  The coalition will continue to produce fact sheets and materials to assist our grassroots advocacy efforts as the Transportation Budget is introduced in the Ohio House in February.  The goal is to work with state leaders to identify a funding solution that represents a reliable, long term investment in Ohio’s future!  Every other state around Ohio has passed a transportation funding package, Illinois and Wisconsin are working on one now, it’s time for Ohio to address the situation for the economic vitality of the state.  We look forward to your assistance.

Additional FOR Ohio information:

Welcome Terri Barnhart!

Terri Barnhart has joined the ACEC Ohio team on a part-time basis to assist with event planning, project management and administrative duties.  Terri is a 30-year veteran of the Ohio Department of Transportation serving various offices in her career as well as heading up OTEC for 12 years.  Terri’s most recent position was Executive Assistant to Director Jerry Wray and the executive team before retiring in September 2018.  She enjoys volunteering at the Ohio Reformatory for Women and spending time with her grandchildren. Please welcome Terri to ACEC Ohio!

Please feel free to contact me with any questions.

~Beth

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