Cincinnati, Ohio – Ohio is set to receive nearly $70 million in federal transportation funding for four major infrastructure projects after Senator Jon Husted announced new awards through the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development, or BUILD, grant program.
According to Husted, the funding will help improve transportation, increase safety, support future economic growth, and strengthen communities across the state.
The announcement includes a total of $69,830,645 for four Ohio projects. Husted said he personally helped secure $50 million of that amount for two large infrastructure initiatives after submitting letters of support to U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy.
Each of those two projects will receive $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.
Funding supports transportation improvements across Ohio
One of the largest grants will go to the City of Brook Park, where $25 million will fund public infrastructure improvements. The project includes modernizing access to the Interstate 71 interchange, rebuilding important regional and local roads, and adding high-capacity transit connections along with improved pedestrian infrastructure.
Brook Park Mayor Edward Orcutt welcomed the investment.
“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,” Orcutt said.
Another $25 million has been awarded to Hamilton County for the Fort Washington Way Project in Cincinnati.
The funding will support construction of an approximately 1.2-acre highway cap and public plaza over the eight-lane section of Interstate 71 and U.S. Route 50, commonly known as Fort Washington Way. The project is designed to reconnect portions of downtown while creating new public space above the highway.
Brendon Cull, President and CEO of the Cincinnati Regional Chamber, called the project a major step forward.
“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,” Cull said.
Hamilton County Commission President Stephanie Summerow Dumas also praised the announcement.
“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,” she said.
Additional BUILD funding will also support projects in Sharonville and Toledo.
The City of Sharonville received $320,000 for the East Sharon Road Grade Separation Feasibility Study. The study will examine options for constructing a grade-separated railroad crossing to reduce traffic delays and improve safety.
Mayor Kevin Hardman said increasing rail traffic has created significant challenges for the community.
“This critical federal funding provides the City with the opportunity to determine if there are feasible options to eliminate one of our biggest rail crossing blockage locations. As rail traffic has increased, so have the blockage times on Sharon Road, a major connector serving major industries across Sharonville and our region. We are grateful to our federal lawmakers for their support, including Senator Husted, as we look to address the safety concerns and congestion due to this rail crossing,” Hardman said.
Meanwhile, the City of Toledo will receive $19,510,645 to modernize nearly two miles of Front Street and Main Street. The project includes roadway and sidewalk improvements intended to improve transportation access while encouraging future economic development.
“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 funding builds on Husted’s work as a member of both the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works and the Appropriations Committee, where he has advocated for federal investments supporting transportation projects throughout Ohio. The BUILD grant program provides federal funding for transportation projects that create significant local and regional benefits, helping communities improve infrastructure while supporting long-term economic growth.
