Rep. Space Attends Groundbreaking Ceremony For $150 Million Ohio Infrastructure Investment

10/13/09 -- WASHINGTON, D.C. — U.S. Rep. Zack Space (OH-18) today marked the beginning of construction on Phase II and III of the Nelsonville Bypass, which received $150 million in funding from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA). The project – ODOT’s single largest ARRA-funded project in the state – is estimated to create over 4,800 jobs [Source: Ohio Department of Transportation].

“The $150 million in development funding for this project will not only bring long-term economic development to the area, but it will also support local businesses and have an almost immediate effect in creating local jobs here in Southeastern Ohio,” Space said. “The Nelsonville Bypass has been in the planning stages for over half a century, and I’m glad to see that we are finally completing this much-needed and long-anticipated infrastructure improvement.”

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The $150 million in recovery funding enabled ODOT to push up the completion time for the final two phases of the three-phase project.

Today, Space was joined by Governor Ted Strickland, ODOT Director Jolene Molitoris, and various other local and regional officials to break ground on Phase II and III of the Nelsonville Bypass. Last year, ODOT began Phase I, which created a new four-lane roadway on US Route 33 between Nelsonville and Logan. The new four-lane bypass will be 8.5 miles long and will facilitate transportation between the Midwest and east coast to Appalachia.

Yesterday, Space attended a ceremony kicking off construction of another infrastructure project in Dover, which will provide a new interchange at I-77 and County Road 80. The primary contractor of that project is estimated to employ over 38,000 hours of labor during the course of construction, bringing new jobs to the region.

Congressman Space has represented Ohio’s 18th Congressional District since 2007. He has been working to restore integrity to the office and create the conditions to bring new jobs and industry to Ohio.

Source: Rep. Zack Space