Ohio Governor Mike DeWine, alongside Ohio Department of Transportation Director Pamela Boratyn, has announced a $13.5 million allocation for 28 public transit projects under the Ohio Workforce Mobility Partnership program (OWMP). This initiative aims to enhance workforce transportation by linking residents to key employment centers and bridging service gaps between rural and urban transit systems.
Governor DeWine emphasized the importance of transportation in accessing employment opportunities, stating, “Transportation should never stand in the way of a good job.” He highlighted that this funding will assist more Ohioans in reaching workplaces while supporting employers in need of dependable workers.
Lt. Governor Jim Tressel expressed enthusiasm about the growing job opportunities in Ohio and stressed the state’s role in facilitating access to these jobs. “Now we need to do our part, as a State, to empower our people to take advantage of these opportunities and become a part of our workforce team,” he said. The program is designed to remove transportation barriers for workers.
The initiative was reestablished through House Bill 54, directing federal funds via the state transportation budget towards projects that support workforce mobility. The program ensures $13.5 million is available each fiscal year from 2026-2027.
ODOT Director Boratyn remarked on the significance of the Workforce Mobility Program: “The Workforce Mobility Program is a great tool that helps ODOT deliver on its mission to ensure every Ohioan has access to transportation opportunities, regardless of whether they own a vehicle.”
Fifteen transit agencies across 16 counties will benefit from this funding effort.
Information from this article can be found here.
