Ohio entered a new era of infrastructure investment today as the state's $11 billion transportation budget took effect, coinciding with the release of $322.6 million in local infrastructure grants that will fund projects across all 88 counties.
The convergence of funding streams represents one of the largest coordinated infrastructure pushes in Ohio history, touching everything from rural road repairs to urban highway expansions and creating what officials describe as an unprecedented construction season.
Governor Mike DeWine signed the two-year transportation budget in March, but its provisions became active today1. More than 90% of the Ohio Department of Transportation's funding will target maintenance and improvements to existing roads, bridges, culverts, and traffic systems12.
The budget increases Highway Safety Improvement Program funding from $185 million to $191 million for fiscal years 2026 and 202713. An additional $150 million will fund truck parking facilities on state-owned land, addressing a safety concern that contributed to over 460 crashes between 2015 and 201914.
"Transportation is vital to our state's economy. It connects Ohioans to jobs, education, healthcare, and entertainment," DeWine said when signing the legislation1.
The Ohio Public Works Commission announced today that 601 projects received funding, with roads claiming the largest share at $201.7 million, followed by water supply systems at $48.1 million1. Bridge and culvert projects received $26.9 million, while wastewater and stormwater initiatives garnered $38.1 million and $7.8 million respectively1.
"We are pleased to announce another round of grants and loans awarded to Ohio's local governments for critical infrastructure," said Linda Bailiff, the OPWC Director1.
The funding announcements support what the Ohio DOT calls a record construction season encompassing 955 projects worth more than $3.2 billion12. Central Ohio alone will see 94 projects representing $446 million in investment2.
Notable projects include continued work on the $3.6 billion Brent Spence Bridge corridor and major interstate improvements across Northeast Ohio worth nearly $900 million12.
The infrastructure surge builds on Ohio voters' May approval of Issue 2, which authorized $2.5 billion in bonds for local infrastructure projects over the next decade1. The measure passed with 71% support despite an estimated total cost of $3.84 billion including interest1.
The combined funding streams position Ohio for what infrastructure strategist Justin Curatola described as "one of the most ambitious and transformative transportation overhauls in its history"2.
