“It’s great to see these critical projects receive the funding they need to keep Ohio moving forward.”
WASHINGTON – Sen. Jon Husted (R-Ohio) today announced that he secured $50 million in federal funding for two major Ohio infrastructure projects through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s (USDOT) Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) grant program.
In total, four Ohio projects will receive $69,830,645 through the USDOT BUILD grant program.
Husted successfully advocated for $50 million in BUILD funding for the Brook Park Public Infrastructure Improvements project and the Fort Washington Way Project, submitting letters of support to DOT Secretary Sean Duffy on behalf of both projects. Each project was awarded $25 million.
“I fought for these projects because they will improve safety, support economic growth and help Ohio communities compete and thrive for decades to come. From improving access to major transportation corridors to creating new spaces for businesses and families, these investments will strengthen our economy and improve quality of life for Ohioans. It’s great to see these critical projects receive the funding they need to keep Ohio moving forward,” said Husted.
“This is a monumental infrastructure investment into the heart of Cincinnati that will change the way our community grows and gathers for generations to come. We are grateful for the support from the federal government, especially Senator Husted, and are proud to have partnered with Hamilton County, the City of Cincinnati, and a wide range of community leaders to finally move forward on the long-standing promise of building the caps over Fort Washington Way,” said Brendon Cull, President & CEO of the Cincinnati Regional Chamber.
“This investment is proof that when our U.S. Senators, Congressional delegation, local leaders, and regional partners work together, transformative projects become reality. Today’s announcement is about creating jobs, strengthening our economy, and building a brighter future for our entire region,” said Brook Park Mayor Edward Orcutt.
“This federal funding opportunity represents a once-in-a-generation chance to reconnect our downtown, create new public green space, and continue the momentum at The Banks. By capping Fort Washington Way between Vine and Walnut streets, we can transform an infrastructure barrier into a community asset that benefits residents, visitors, and future generations,” said Hamilton County Commission President Stephanie Summerow Dumas.
“This investment will fully fund planned improvements along Front and Main: prioritizing safety, leveraging Metroparks Toledo’s investments along the riverfront, and encouraging new business development throughout the corridor. I’m grateful for the federal government’s support of this project and its continued investment in making Toledo a great place to build,” said Toledo Mayor Wade Kapszukiewicz.
The grant allocation builds on Husted’s work as a member of the Committee on Environment and Public Works and the Appropriations Committee. In these roles, Husted has been a strong advocate for strengthening Ohio’s infrastructure and ensuring that already appropriated funds are obligated to projects that will serve Ohioans.
The USDOT’s BUILD program provides grants for surface transportation infrastructure projects with significant local or regional impacts.
The four Ohio projects receiving funding are:
- The City of Brook Park’s Public Infrastructure Improvements – $25 million to modernize access to the I-71 interchange, reconstruct critical regional and local connector roads, and integrate high-capacity transit and pedestrian infrastructure.
- Hamilton County’s Fort Washington Way Project – $25 million to construct an approximately 1.2-acre highway cap and public plaza over the eight-lane, sunken section of I-71/U.S. Route 50, known locally as Fort Washington Way.
- The City of Sharonville’s East Sharon Road Grade Separation Feasibility Study – $320,000 to advance planning and technical implementation of a grade-separated crossing on East Sharon Road, improving safety and mobility.
- The City of Toledo’s Front and Main Corridor Modernization Project – $19,510,645 to modernize approximately two miles of roadway and sidewalks along Front Street and Main Street, enhancing transportation access and supporting economic development.