From MOPRC, Special to 1808Delaware
The Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission now has available a list of proposed, new transportation projects set to receive more than $77 million in federal funds during state fiscal years 2022 to 2027. MORPC is seeking public comment on the proposed projects through March 28, 2021.
“MORPC received more than $220 million in requests for funding of new transportation projects from throughout our transportation planning area,” said Thea Ewing, MORPC director of transportation & infrastructure development. “Our Attributable Funds Committee worked to identify the projects that would have the greatest regional impact despite the limited financial resources available.”
Included among new proposed funded items is construction of a 4-lane railroad grade separation on Orange Road under the CSX and Norfolk Southern railroads. The total price tag for that project is $22,908,235, of which $7,366,590 would come from MORPC.
Phase 4A of the Home Road Extension project was not proposed for funding.
Every two years, MORPC solicits projects to receive federal transportation funding in the MORPC transportation planning area of: Franklin County; Delaware County, Bloom and Violet townships in Fairfield County; New Albany, Pataskala and Etna Township in Licking County; and Jerome Township in Union County.
Examples of the types of transportation improvements eligible for funding include highways, public transit, bikeways, pedestrian facilities, bridges and traffic signal upgrades.
In addition to the 12 projects mentioned above, MORPC’s Attributable Funds Committee is proposing to recommend continued funding for 27 projects and programs to which MORPC had previously committed funds. A total of more than $211 million in future funding commitments is being proposed.
The draft list of all projects recommended for funding is available on the MORPC-attributable Funding for Transportation webpage. Printed copies of the draft listing are available upon request by calling MORPC at 614.228.2663.
Public comments on the draft listing can be submitted via e-mail to [email protected] or in writing to:
Thea Ewing, Director of Transportation & Infrastructure Development
Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission
111 Liberty Street, Suite 100
Columbus, OH 43215
MORPC will consider final approval of the funding commitments on May 13, 2021, and they will subsequently be incorporated into the Transportation Improvement Program for the appropriate fiscal year. The Transportation Improvement Program is a financially balanced listing of federal, state and locally funded projects that are scheduled for some phase of implementation or development in a four-year period. COTA and Delaware County Transit Program of Projects are part of our public involvement process.
Public comments on the draft list must be submitted by 5 p.m. on March 28, 2021.
