Columbus, Ohio – Ohio Governor Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Pamela Boratyn announced that $12.7 million will be distributed to eight small cities across the state. The funding comes through ODOT’s Small City Program and will support road, safety, and pedestrian improvement projects that foster accessibility and economic growth in underserved areas.
Prioritizing Community-Level Infrastructure
The Small City Program targets municipalities with populations between 5,000 and 24,999 that fall outside the jurisdiction of a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO). These communities often face funding challenges despite their critical transportation needs.
“Investing in local communities is critical in keeping Ohio’s infrastructure strong and communities connected,” said Governor DeWine. “These awards represent Ohio’s continued commitment to supporting the unique needs of our smaller communities across the state.”
Director Boratyn echoed that sentiment, adding, “The Small City Program is an essential tool for helping communities improve their roads, sidewalks, and safety infrastructure. Through these grants, we’re providing critical funding to improve transportation infrastructure, enhance safety, and support economic growth.”
Breakdown of Funded Projects
Eight projects have been selected to receive a combined total of $12,664,094. Here’s how the funding will be distributed:
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Geneva (Ashtabula County) – $2,000,000
West Main Street Reconstruction – Phase 2 will include a full pavement rebuild and new sanitary and storm sewer lines. The project also adds curb ramps, sidewalks, and safer pedestrian crossings. -
Columbiana (Columbiana County) – $1,466,354
Traffic signals at three intersections in the State Route 14/46/164 triangle will be replaced with modern controllers, new poles, pedestrian detectors, and improved signals. -
Fremont (Sandusky County) – $2,000,000
Hayes Avenue and South 5th Street Reconstruction will see complete road resurfacing, sidewalk additions, shared bike lanes, and pedestrian improvements. -
Norwalk (Huron County) – $2,000,000
West Main Street Rehabilitation (Phase 5) includes removal of outdated trolley tracks and installation of a new traffic signal, curb ramps, and sidewalks. -
London (Madison County) – $755,400
W. 4th Street Full-Depth Reconstruction will improve storm sewers, sidewalks, curbs, parking, and ADA-compliant curb ramps along a major corridor. -
Uhrichsville (Tuscarawas County) – $1,553,900
Road improvements on Jaycee Road and Trenton Avenue will involve pavement repairs, overlays, drainage upgrades, curbs, sidewalks, and new signage. -
Van Wert (Van Wert County) – $2,000,000
S. Walnut Street Reconstruction includes sidewalks, new utilities, stormwater infrastructure, and improved traffic markings and signage. -
Upper Sandusky (Wyandot County) – $888,440
E. Wyandot Avenue Milling and Repairs will include pavement work, utility adjustments, and installation of high-visibility signage for safer travel.
Reducing Local Burden with Toll Revenue Credits
The projects will also benefit from Toll Revenue Credits, which reduce the local funding match that each city must provide. This allows municipalities to stretch their budgets further and ensures that smaller communities with limited resources can still pursue critical infrastructure improvements.
Through this targeted support, Ohio continues to address transportation inequities and equip small cities with the infrastructure they need to thrive.
Applications for future rounds of the Small City Program can be submitted through the ODOT website.
