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Ohio Governor Mike DeWine announced last week that he is increasing Ohio’s yearly funding allocation for local bridge projects by $47.5 million for the next five years. According to Richland Source.com, Funding provided by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) for bridges maintained by the state's 88 county engineers will increase from $34 million to $74 million annually, and municipal-owned bridge funding will increase from $11 million to $18.5 million each year. Gov. DeWine says "Many of the expensive repairs needed on small, locally-owned bridges cost far beyond what our communities can afford, which is why I’ve directed ODOT to devote more money to support local bridge projects,” and “By partnering together to ensure the necessary improvements are made, those driving over Ohio’s bridges can feel confident that they are safe.”