Columbus, Ohio – The Mercer County Transportation Improvement District will receive $275,000 from the state for the Philothea Road Widening Project.
This 2026 project entails acquiring the right-of-way on Philothea Rd in Butler Township, which will benefit numerous agricultural businesses along the east-west corridor. Access to about 450 acres of developable land will be improved, and 50 jobs will be preserved.
Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel, and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Pamela Boratyn today announced funding for over two dozen transportation projects to support Ohio’s ongoing economic development.
ODOT’s Office of Jobs and Commerce is awarding $8.9 million in Transportation Improvement District Program funding to 26 projects across 19 counties. The roadwork projects will improve access to developable land, ease access to existing businesses, and reduce traffic congestion in commercial areas. The projects are expected to create over 19,400 jobs and attract over $3 billion in private sector capital investment.
“By investing in transportation infrastructure that aligns with local and regional priorities, we’re helping to create jobs, strengthen communities, and attract private investment,” said DeWine, the governor. “These funds go directly to projects that position Ohio for success now and well into the future.”
“It is difficult for any business to succeed without road infrastructure to transport people to and from their location,” said Lt. Governor Tressel. “By supporting these transportation projects, we’re positioning Ohio for more jobs and economic development.”
The funds awarded will be used to support project development and construction activities in the state fiscal years 2026 and 2027.
“Transportation is the backbone for moving people and goods, as well as a catalyst for economic development opportunities,” ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn stated. “This innovative transportation program is a powerful tool for driving growth in communities across Ohio.”
The Transportation Improvement District Program was created to encourage collaboration between local governments and private industry while also accelerating transportation projects that benefit economic development. Funding from the program can be used for a variety of purposes, including preliminary engineering, right-of-way acquisition, and construction.
