COLUMBUS, Ohio (AVC News) — Ohio is awarding $13.5 million to support public transportation projects designed to help residents reach jobs and employment centers.
Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel and Ohio Department of Transportation Director Pamela Boratyn announced the funding through the Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership Program.
The funding will support 19 transit projects in 13 counties. Projects are intended to improve transportation to economically significant employment centers and jobs outside residents’ home communities.
“ODOT is proud to continue expanding accessible transit solutions for communities across Ohio,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. “This year’s OWMP grant awards will provide transit agencies with the vital resources they need to modernize fleet routes and ensure every Ohioan has a path to economic opportunity.”
The program can fund infrastructure, equipment, technology, vehicles and planning projects. This grant cycle includes projects such as purchasing and replacing bus equipment, expanding transit facilities, improving signs and upgrading bus shelters.
Local projects receiving funding include:
- $800,000 Licking County Transit Facility Expansion – LCT’s maintenance facility expansion will double service capacity, allowing staff to safely maintain larger vehicles that connect residents to major job centers in western Licking County. By improving fleet reliability and upkeep through new equipment such as a lift system and wash bay, the project strengthens dependable workforce transportation and supports increasing demand for job-related transit services.
- $316,800 Steel Valley Regional Transit Authority Vehicle Expansion – SVRTA will purchase two workforce mobility vans to launch a new demand-response program that provides seven-day-a-week transportation for workers, students, and job seekers across Jefferson County and nearby regional employment centers. By expanding flexible, employment-focused transit service, this investment reduces transportation barriers, supports shared-ride commuting, and strengthens reliable access to jobs, training, and workforce opportunities throughout the region.
The Workforce Mobility Partnership Program was established with support from the Ohio General Assembly and provides funding to local transit authorities, regional transportation districts and county partners.
