Cost of Ohio Turnpike study increases to $3.4M

BEREA (AP) — The cost of studying the Ohio Turnpike’s future has increased to $3.4 million because of payments for two law firms consulting on the issue.

A state board initially approved a $2.85 million study to help determine how the 241-mile toll road can be leveraged to best benefit Ohio financially. The Plain Dealer in Cleveland reports the board has approved $550,000 more for two firms in the consulting team slated to make recommendations this year.

It would consider options such as leasing the turnpike to a private operator, maintaining public ownership and operation, or using a mix of public ownership and private operation.

Turnpike Executive Director Richard Hodges defends the cost of the study, calling it a bargain in comparison with toll revenue and the potential benefit for the state.