The Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments has approved a $65 million investment in 37 transportation projects that will improve safety, mobility and connectivity throughout the Greater Cincinnati region.
The projects were approved through OKI’s annual infrastructure program, which directs federal transportation funds to regional priorities identified by local communities and partner agencies.
“Today’s unanimous approval of $65 million in transportation funding reflects OKI’s commitment to building a safer, more connected region,” said OKI Board President Josh Gerth following the board’s monthly meeting on Oct. 8. “These investments will improve mobility, enhance safety and help ensure residents and businesses can travel efficiently throughout our three-state region.”
“Strong transportation networks are essential to strong communities,” Gerth said. “Through partnerships across Ohio, Kentucky and Indiana, OKI continues to invest in projects that improve everyday life and support our region’s future growth and prosperity.”
A complete list of the projects and their funding amounts can be found at www.oki.org/wp-content.
Ohio projects include Victory Parkway improvements; SORTA paratransit bus replacements; Oxford Area Trail Phase 6; Butler County Princeton Road widening; Cincy Bike Share – Red Bike replacements and modernization; and funds for Western Hills Viaduct replacement.
Kentucky projects include TANK bus replacements; Covington Russell Street repaving; Southgate and US-27 sidewalk project; Cincy Bike Share – NKY Red Bike replacement and modernization; Fort Mitchell – Dixie Highway sidewalk and curb replacement; and Covington Winston Avenue improvements.
“OKI’s investments in the region’s communities are large in dollars and impacts,” said OKI CEO Mark Policinski. “They make us safer and more prosperous. Above all, they help connect our homes and businesses across three states and hundreds of neighborhoods.’’
“At OKI, cooperation is at the heart of our service-driven culture,” Policinski said. “We’re deeply committed to working hand in hand with our member communities to transform local needs into lasting progress.”
Since 2002, OKI has invested $1.3 billion in transportation infrastructure across the region. This includes $293 million for roadway widening and relocation; $292 million for traffic operations and safety improvements; $217 million to enhance public transit; and $189 million dedicated to bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure.
OKI funds their annual awards through the Surface Transportation Block Grant (STBG) program; Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) improvement funds; andTransportation Alternatives (TA) federal programs. For more information on these programs visit oki.org/funding/funding-opportunities.
Metropolitan Planning Organizations (MPOs) like OKI were created to ensure that federal transportation funds move directly to regions — not through state offices — giving local leaders authority to shape investments that reflect community priorities. Because of that structure, OKI holds final say over every federal surface transportation dollar spent in the region.
While OKI has that authority, its member communities drive every decision. Every seed of a project that OKI supports begins with a local village, city, township, county or transit agency. The entire investment strategy is built from the community level up and never imposed from the federal level down.
Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments