Transportation Planning Process

Projects are nominated by ODOT, rail development commissions, MPOs, transit and port authorities, local governments and other authorized entities. The director of transportation develops the project selection process for prioritizing new transportation capacity projects (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §§5512.02 et seq.). The director also serves on the Transportation Review Advisory Council with eight other appointees. The council reviews and ranks nominated projects. The council was legislatively created in 1997 to bring an open, numbers-driven system to choosing major new transportation projects. It is required to hold no more than six public hearings per year and accept public comment on new projects (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §5512.05).

Legislative Role in Transportation Planning

Minimal legislative involvement. The General Assembly sets general appropriation limits, within which funds are allocated to projects and programs. The General Assembly historically has refrained from establishing or controlling specific projects by legislation. ODOT submits a biennial report to the General Assembly and the governor, with approval of the Transportation Review Advisory Council, on the selection, prioritization and progress of transportation capacity projects (Ohio Rev. Code Ann. §5512.06).