Tagged: Ohio Turnpike

The governor is hinting strongly that a plan to lease the Ohio Turnpike is coming soon, possibly official by the end of the week.

Gov. John Kasich has been talking about his turnpike plans for months, but not releasing many hints, other than to say that he considers the toll road an undervalued asset. But he told a group of county commissioners and county engineers to think about the turnpike this way:

Democratic local officials opposed to leasing the Ohio Turnpike have announced they'll do their own study of whether it's a good idea.

The leaders from counties across northern Ohio said at news conferences in Cleveland and Youngstown yesterday that they're skeptical of an analysis planned by the state. They expect it will favor leasing, as proposed by Republican Gov. John Kasich.

Mahoning County Commissioner Anthony Traficanti predicted that privatizing the turnpike would be a "total nightmare" resulting in potholes and dangerous lapses in plowing and maintenance.

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) - Ohio's highway department says 14 companies are bidding to help guide the state with the possible lease of the Ohio Turnpike.

Gov. John Kasich said earlier this month that he wants to hire a team of private consultants to help the state determine how to get the best financial bang from the turnpike.

Ohio's Department of Transportation says bids came from 14 companies, including investment banks and law firms from across the country.