Explanation
1. BACKGROUND
The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) began accepting applications for its Local Major Bridge Program on September 1, 2025, and applications were due October 15, 2025. ODOT’s Local Major Program provides Federal funds to counties and municipalities for bridge replacement, bridge rehabilitation, major bridge preventative maintenance, and bridge demolition projects. ODOT can cover up to 80% of eligible costs for preliminary engineering and construction. The City of Columbus is an eligible applicant, and the Public Service Department has submitted two applications for ODOT’s review and consideration.
The Department of Public Service submitted applications seeking funds in relation to ODOT’s Local Major Bridge Program. This ordinance will authorize the Director of Public Service to execute project agreements for approved projects, to accept and expend grant funds, and to issue refunds, if necessary, after final accounting is performed or when notified by the Department of Public Service's Division of Design and Construction that a refund can be issued. Separate legislation authorizing the encumbrance and expenditure of capital funds to support the local share of anticipated project costs will be put forth at a later date as needed.
This legislation will authorize the Director of Public Service to execute agreements with ODOT in connection with the award of the grant, the expenditure of grant funds, and the return of unused grant funds if any should remain at the end of the grant.
2. EXPECTED PROJECTS
The Department of Public Service submitted applications for the projects listed below:
Front Street bridge over railroad tracks and Convention Center Drive: This project includes deck overlay, parapet repairs, fence replacement, and expansion joint replacement. The total cost is approximately $3,000,000.00 and the Department is requesting $2,400,000.00 from ODOT’s Local Major Bridge Program.
Parsons Avenue Over Railroad South of H...
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