County receives millions in funding

Transportation infrastructure projects outlined in 2018 Construction program

Lake County will benefit from over $53 million in transportation infrastructure projects outlined in the State’s 2018 Construction program.

State Rep. John Rogers, D Mentor-on-the Lake, made that announcement April 4. Last year, the Finance Subcommittee on Transportation approved a $7 billion dollar budget which is divided between Ohio’s 12 transportation districts. The 12th District includes Rogers’ 60th House District, along with all of Lake County, in addition to Cuyahoga and Geauga counties, according to a news release from Rogers’ office.

“Investment in infrastructure plays such a vital role in our economy, putting people to work, with good paying jobs,

improving our quality of life and the safety and wellbeing of all Ohioans,” said Rogers, who serves as one of only two Democrats on the House Transportation Subcommittee. “Studies show that for every dollar spent on infrastructure by the state, the value of that investment can double in the first year.

“Depending on the type of project, those dollars may translate into five times the initial amount invested over a twenty year period. The multiplier effect can be tremendous.”

While Lake County will benefit from the $ 53,937,962 million in funds allocated for 15 projects, the three counties combined will receive $217 million in transportation and infrastructure investment, the release stated.

According to the Ohio Department of Transportation, some of the funding is already being put to use in Lake County. Projects include:

• Improving the intersection at U.S. Route 20 and state Route 615 in Mentor to better accommodate left turns — $2,031,418

• Replacement of the Hopkins Road concrete slab bridge over the Mentor Marsh in Mentor — $938,250

• Resurfacing state Route 306 between Sharp Lane to just south of Kirtland Road in Kirtland — $1.7 million

• Replacing the Newell Street bridge deck over state Route 2 in Painesville — $1,411,000

• Resurfacing a portion of Richmond Street in Painesville — $975,000

• Improving crosswalks at Ronald Drive, Pendley Road and East 305th Street with curb ramps, signage, warnings signs and crosswalk markings for students in Willowick — $71,000

• Resurfacing the Lakeland Freeway from the Cuyahoga County line to approximately state Route 91 through Wickliffe, Willowick and Eastlake — $3.3 million

• Replacing twin state Route 2 bridges over the stream located just west of state Route 91 in Eastlake — $1.07 million

• Resurfacing of W. Jackson Street from the Painesville West Corporation Line to Richmond Street in Painesville — $1,291,070

• Resurfacing of I-90 from approximately Rockefeller Road to the concrete section west of state Route 306 — $6.72 million

• Installation of variable speed limit signs along I-90 in Lake County — $1,467,500

• Replacing the ramp bridges from I-271 Northbound to I-90 Westbound over Eddy Road in Willoughby Hills — $11.25 million

• Upgrade and the relocation of Vrooman Road from I-90 to state Route 84 in Leroy and Perry Townships — $22,199,672

• Resurfacing of the existing concrete section of state Route 306 in Kirtland — $1,759,364

• Resurfacing and culvert work state Route 528 from the Geauga County line to North Ridge Road (U.S. Route 20) in Madison and Madison Township — $1,023,000

• Resurfacing state Route 86 from Vrooman Road to the Lake County line in Leroy Township — $496,810

• Erosion protection at Stanton Park in Madison Township along the Lake Erie shoreline — $464,545.

According to ODOT, Ohio has spent an average of $2 billion a year on infrastructure projects in the past eight years.

Excited about the investments slated for Lake County and the region, Rogers believes more needs to be done legislatively to help communities address critical needs that can include water and wastewater, airports, railroads, shorelines, public transit and broadband access.

According to the 2017 report card for America’s Infrastructure, published by the American Society of Civil Engineers, Ohio received a D-plus.

“Ohio’s funding of infrastructure projects, here in Lake County and throughout the state is much needed, to be sure,” Rogers said. “But those funds are earmarked for projects that in large measure are of a specific nature and determined by ODOT. Our Public Works program provides financial assistance that is vital to our local governments who can determine what is best and how to address internal needs such as road paving, reconstruction and drainage issues. More can be done to help our local governments who, without the help, would be left far behind.”

Recently, Rogers introduced a plan in the Ohio House that he said would add to helping restore the state’s infrastructure by leveraging $1 billion from the Rainy Day fund. Dubbed “Restore Ohio,” the plan is intended to help broaden the types of projects that funded in an effort to build reliable, efficient and modern infrastructure systems, which Rogers said will also help to fuel a strong and thriving economy.

“Through Restore Ohio, the state could incrementally leverage up to $1 billion over a five-year period with monies from the Budget Stabilization Fund,” Rogers said. “Those dollars would be made available to communities in the form of low or zero interest loans. Additionally, 50 percent of the investment earnings from the Budget Stabilization Fund would be made available to local communities in the form of infrastructure grants.

“As loans are repaid, the Budget Stabilization Fund would be replenished, ensuring the fund’s integrity and solvency. And any interest collected could also be utilized for future grants to communities.”

“Investment in infrastructure plays such a vital role in our economy, putting people to work, with good paying jobs, improving our quality of life and the safety and well-being of all Ohioans. Studies show that for every dollar spent on infrastructure by the state, the value of that investment can double in the first year.” — State Rep. John Rogers

Rogers