By 1808Delaware
The Delaware County Farm Bureau is urging residents, landowners, and rural stakeholders to make their voices heard as the state evaluates a potential connector between U.S. 23 and Interstate 71. The call comes as the Ohio Department of Transportation continues its feasibility study of the proposed roadway, a process that has now identified three potential route options in Marion and Morrow counties along the border of Delaware County.
While the project itself remains hypothetical, Farm Bureau leaders are emphasizing that this stage of the process is exactly when public input matters most.
Focus On Impact, Not Just Feasibility
In comments submitted to the state, the Ohio Farm Bureau Federation and local Farm Bureaus raised concerns about the direction of the study. Their message centers on three primary issues: the loss of productive farmland, the impact on rural communities, and the overall cost to taxpayers.
Beyond those concerns, the organization is also challenging how the project is being evaluated. Representatives have stressed that feasibility should not be limited to whether a road can be built, but should also address whether it is the right project to pursue.
Competing Priorities Along U.S. 23
Farm Bureau leaders are also pointing to an existing list of needs along the current U.S. 23 corridor. A 2025 study identified 33 improvements that could be made to the roadway, and they are urging the state to prioritize those projects before considering construction of a new connector. The argument reflects a broader question about transportation planning in the region, particularly as growth continues to push north from Delaware County into surrounding rural areas.
A Defined Window To Be Heard
For now, the focus is on participation.
ODOT is accepting public comments on the connector study through April 14, and the Farm Bureau is encouraging those who may be affected to respond during this phase of the process. That includes farmers, nearby residents, business owners, and others with a stake in how land is used and developed. To make that easier, the Ohio Farm Bureau has created a template that can be customized and submitted directly to the state. The goal is to help individuals clearly outline how the proposed connector could affect their operations, property, or community.
To assist, the organization has developed an email template that can be personalized and sent directly to ODOT, sharing how the connector may affect individual farms, businesses or communities. The template can be found at ofb.ag/23connectorstudy and any additional questions can be directed to wbowers@ofbf.org.
Time To Speak Up, Bureau Says
Projects like this often begin with studies that receive limited public attention. By the time a proposal becomes more concrete, key decisions may already be in place. That is why the current comment period is drawing attention from local agricultural leaders. The connector may or may not move forward, but the opportunity to influence that outcome is happening now.
For Delaware County residents, particularly in the northern part of the county, the message from the Farm Bureau is straightforward. This is the time to speak up.
