Due to the collective voices from northwest and central Ohio business leaders over the past year, we are moving into the next phase of finding a solution for an improved highway connection between the Toledo and Columbus regions. This has been a long-time priority for the Chamber and our regional partners like TMACOG and TAGNO.
Just over a year ago, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) 23 Connect feasibility came to what felt like an abrupt end. Fortunately, business leaders and our state legislators were able to make the case to Governor DeWine that it is important to not only our region’s success, but all of Ohio’s to have better connectivity between our regions.
Just over a year ago, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) 23 Connect feasibility came to what felt like an abrupt end. Fortunately, business leaders and our state legislators were able to make the case to Governor DeWine that it is important to not only our region’s success, but all of Ohio’s to have better connectivity between our regions.
In September 2022, Governor DeWine came to Toledo and met with business leaders from across the region. He left that meeting with a better understanding of the commerce and safety concerns with the existing Route 23 connection and the need for improvements. Under his leadership, $10M was included in the transportation budget this spring to conduct a statewide strategic transportation analysis to inform decisions going forward. The connection between Toledo and Columbus was specifically called out in the Governor’s proposal. The language was further strengthened in the Ohio House of Representatives by including the Sandusky to Columbus connection (they face many of the same obstacles as Toledo in reaching Columbus). The Ohio Senate took it a step further by requiring the study to be complete by December 2024 so that the recommendations could be considered in the next transportation budget.
Recently, a team led by Cambridge Systematics was selected by ODOT to take a comprehensive look at Ohio’s transportation system. Among the factors that they are required to consider include expected population and economic growth. This will not be the typical corridor study that we have seen in the past. It will be important that we continue to engage the Governor’s office, ODOT, Department of Development, and our legislators throughout this process.
We firmly believe that in addition to possible upgrades to the existing US23 corridor in Delaware County, that a connection between US23 and I-71 to the east is necessary to fully connect the economic opportunities that exist in our respective regions – and beyond.
If you would like to receive updates as opportunities arise to engage in the process, please reach out to Makenzie Kujawa, Public Policy Coordinator. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please feel free to reach out to Brian Dicken, Vice President Advocacy and Strategic Initiatives.
Recently, a team led by Cambridge Systematics was selected by ODOT to take a comprehensive look at Ohio’s transportation system. Among the factors that they are required to consider include expected population and economic growth. This will not be the typical corridor study that we have seen in the past. It will be important that we continue to engage the Governor’s office, ODOT, Department of Development, and our legislators throughout this process.
We firmly believe that in addition to possible upgrades to the existing US23 corridor in Delaware County, that a connection between US23 and I-71 to the east is necessary to fully connect the economic opportunities that exist in our respective regions – and beyond.
If you would like to receive updates as opportunities arise to engage in the process, please reach out to Makenzie Kujawa, Public Policy Coordinator. If you have any questions or would like additional information, please feel free to reach out to Brian Dicken, Vice President Advocacy and Strategic Initiatives.
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