The county plans to apply for funding through the Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC), which helps the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) select projects to fund. The county has been working on making this intersection safer for years.
Greene County applied for TRAC funding in 2020, but the coronavirus pandemic halted most projects from getting funding due to reduced gas tax revenues.
“This is the time to apply, but we need the local dollars,” Goff said.
Goff said TRAC applications do better with a 20% to 30% local match. Greene County commissioners will likely approve a letter of support and commit $6.4 million to the project at their meeting next week.
All three commissioners voiced support for the project at their March 11 meeting.
“That whole area has the potential to be really big,” said Commissioner Rick Perales. “I kind of think this is a no-brainer.”
Commissioner Tom Koogler called the intersection a “lynchpin” in the county.
“This would be a major catalyst for development,” Commissioner Dick Gould said. “That project would effect us all in Greene County and anyone passing through.”
Beavercreek and Beavercreek Twp. have recently gotten behind the project.
In addition to safety, the interchange is expected to drive economic development around the Lewis A. Jackson Regional Airport, about a half-mile away. There are also three potential new home developments going in about a mile and a half away from the interchanges, which would mean more than 375 new houses in the area.
Promoters envision homes, a convention center, commerce, entertainment and shopping in a development creating 2,200 to 3,800 jobs and setting aside 252 acres as a nature preserve.
TRAC applications are due March 31. Goff would submit the commissioners’ letter of support and some safety studies along with this year’s application.
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