{"id":24911,"date":"2012-05-30T05:24:48","date_gmt":"2012-05-30T10:24:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thevwindependent.com\/?p=24911"},"modified":"2012-05-30T05:25:04","modified_gmt":"2012-05-30T10:25:04","slug":"state-of-odot-event-explains-challenges","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thevwindependent.com\/news\/2012\/05\/30\/state-of-odot-event-explains-challenges\/","title":{"rendered":"‘State of ODOT’ event shows challenges"},"content":{"rendered":"

From ODOT information<\/em><\/p>\n

COLUMBUS — Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Jerry Wray opened the state agency\u2019s doors to the public for an insider\u2019s look at the \u201cState of ODOT\u201d and its current short-term and long-term financial outlook.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur transportation system, and therefore our transportation department, impacts everyone\u2019s life, every day,\u201d Wray said. \u201cIt impacts our economy, our jobs, our safety and our quality of life. And it\u2019s a responsibility none of us take lightly.\u201d<\/p>\n

\"\"<\/a>Noting that a tax increase is not an option, Wray used the opportunity to demonstrate how ODOT is funded, the forces contributing to a massive transportation budget hole, and what the state is doing to fix the problem. Currently, state and federal motor fuel tax revenues have leveled off — primarily as a result of a reduction in fuel consumption, the prevalence of more fuel-efficient vehicles and the rising cost of construction materials.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe\u2019re looking at every option to save money, generate new money and reduce the cost of doing business,\u201d Wray said.<\/p>\n

In January, ODOT announced a $1.6 billion transportation-funding shortfall that, if left unchanged, would push back by decades some of the state\u2019s largest transportation projects. During the presentation, ODOT Chief of Staff Greg Murphy highlighted many of the innovative and alternative revenue-generating ideas the agency is pursuing to fill the funding gap, including:<\/p>\n