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Ohio must use highway funds to build state
Published 9:10am Tuesday, June 19, 2012Ohio’s highway system continues to age and deteriorate but a recent report shows that regional planning commissions are leaving millions unspent.
A report in the Columbus Dispatch and confirmed by the Ohio Department of Transportation shows that more than $169 million in federal transportation funds were left unspent last fiscal year.
This simply doesn’t make sense and appears that some of these agencies do not have a clear handle on their budgets and the needs of their areas.
If Ohio’s roads system was in perfect shape it would be one thing. But that certainly isn’t the case.
The state infrastructure and highway system is in need of a massive repairs across all of Ohio, from Cleveland to South Point.
Ohio Department of Transportation Director Jerry Wray has essentially told these agencies to start spending, although the agencies have countered with the explanation that they stockpile for future projects or save on some bids.
A key component to returning Ohio to its place among the economic leaders of the United States is to ensure that we have a strong infrastructure foundation and are positioned for commerce.
These dollars are meant to be used — and they should be — to improve the lives of all Ohioans.
I would support major infrastuture improvement. Why not get some of the prisoners we jail for long periods and allow them to assist in the manual labor to complete these projects. The prisons are full of addicts arrested and many have no violence but are incarcerated as it seems easier for law enforcement to put them behind bars then the more dangerous criminals. They police get the same overtime and arrest quota for these as opposed to the more dangerous criminals. The lawmakers then wonder why we have laws to stand your ground etc. They love to sensanilize a case like the florida case and the liberal media is quick to pick up on it. Then we wonder why so many want to carry concealed weapons?
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Not to mention the building of new roadways when Ohio cannot maintain the existing highway system and particularly the bridges. Maybe the IT can let all citizens know where Ohio ranks with lack of bridge and highway repair. Ohio’s Crumbling Infrastructure: roads, bridges, interstates, locks/dams, etc…..
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We (United States) lag behind all major countries in the world, when it comes to rail transport, both commercial and passenger. This is the most economical and safest (most comfortable) means of moving freight and people. I fear our primary efforts (highway system) are misguided. Please note, I said “primary efforts”. I do not deny that a good highway system is vital. With proper management and operation, movement by rail could be the most efficient means of transportation. Economical, Fastest, (outside of air) Safest and Most Comfortable. We are missing the boat due to various selfish interests.
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