Serving Lucas, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood Counties
The Village of Oak Harbor has been awarded $637,000 in federal funding through the Ohio Department of Transportation's (ODOT) Transportation Alternatives Program (TAP) to construct a new shared use path along Park Street, creating a safer connection between Oak Harbor's school campuses and improving pedestrian and bicycle access throughout the community.
The project will construct a new path on Park Street between Oak Harbor Intermediate School and Oak Harbor High School. Construction is currently scheduled for 2031, with engineering and design work taking place in the coming years.
Originally, the village anticipated contributing approximately $300,000 toward the project's construction costs. However, recent changes under the federal Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act allow the project to receive additional federal safety funding, covering 100 percent of eligible construction costs. As a result, the village's anticipated local contribution has been reduced to approximately $150,000, which will primarily cover engineering, design and other pre-construction professional services. The village will continue exploring additional funding opportunities to help offset those remaining costs and further reduce the local investment.
"This grant is another significant investment in Oak Harbor's commitment to improving pedestrian safety and connectivity throughout our community," Oak Harbor mayor Quinton Babcock said. "This shared use path will provide students, families and residents with a safer route between our schools while supporting our long-term vision of creating a more walkable and bike-friendly community."
The project builds on the village's recent success in securing transportation funding, including grants for new pedestrian crossing improvements and school zone safety enhancements.
Village administrator Jerry Buhrow said the award reflects the importance of long-range planning when pursuing competitive grant funding.
"ODOT continues to emphasize that successful projects are backed by thoughtful planning," Buhrow said. "This project was identified through both our Comprehensive Plan and our Safe Routes to School Plan, demonstrating that it addresses a broader community need rather than being a standalone project. Those planning efforts continue to position Oak Harbor well for future funding opportunities."
TAP provides federal funding for projects that improve transportation options through safer walking and bicycling infrastructure, connections to schools, parks and community destinations, and other projects that enhance quality of life.
Village officials will continue working with ODOT over the next several years to complete engineering, environmental review and design before construction funding becomes available in State Fiscal Year 2031.
