Letter Urges Governor to Support Fort-to-Port - Blog

Statement

Letter Urges Governor to Support Fort-to-Port

In May, Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur (D-Toledo) and I wrote the following letter to Ohio Governor Ted Strickland urging the Governor to continue supporting full funding for U.S. Route 24, better known as "Fort-to-Port":

Dear Governor Strickland:

We are writing to urge your continued support of full funding for U.S. Route 24, better known as "Fort-to-Port". The expansion and improvement of Route 24 is one of the most pressing economic development needs in Northwest Ohio and we are encouraged that State and local government officials appear committed to seeing the full project completed in the near future.

Improvements to Route 24 are crucial to ensuring the future of economic development in Ohio's 5th and 9th Congressional Districts. Safety along the 58.5 mile route has also been a major concern to those traveling the highway. The realignment and expansion will insure safer travel. Without constant attention to the infrastructure needs of Northwest Ohio, it will be difficult for state, local and federal government officials to do their part in encouraging employers and new residents to take root in our area.

At the same time that we encourage progress on the new Route, please note that Congress has directed funds to ameliorate the effects of this new highway on the productive farmland and valued habitat in Henry and Lucas Counties. A task force, including representation from ODOT's District 2, has begun identifying opportunities for this type of mitigation.

We appreciate the willingness of state officials to keep members of the Ohio Congressional Delegation informed on local transportation projects and look forward to working with you to ensure that Route 24 becomes a model for the future of economic development in Northwest Ohio.

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