DOT Overturns Grant for Ohio Turnpike Privatization Study

The U.S. Department of Transportation has rescinded a federal grant that Ohio was using to study privatizing the Ohio Turnpike, the Cleveland Plain Dealer reported.

Ohio’s original request for funding was overturned after review, but the Federal Highway Administration said Friday that it will review any revised request, the Associated Press reported.

Ohio Gov. John Kasich (R) has been pushing for a plan to lease the Turnpike to a private operator as a way to bring money to the state. He wants to get an immediate payment for the lease, in addition to a percentage of the yearly tolls.

The federal funding for the study was rescinded in response to a letter sent by Democratic House members from Ohio, who said the leasing plan that could lead to higher tolls and raise maintenance costs for local roads, the Plain Dealer reported.

The Ohio Department of Transportation said a revised grant application will be submitted, AP said.