Transportation is a key driver for job and economic growth.

In 2007, Ohios gross domestic product was $466 billion, making Ohio the seventh largest state economy in the U.S. For every $1 million invested in Ohios transportation system, approximately 22 jobs are supported. Every $1 invested in Ohios transportation system results in a $2.54 increase in Ohios gross domestic product.

Similar to land, labor and capital, transportation is a key input to production. Across all economic sectors, a transportation network providing reliable, fast and cost-effective performance is critical to maintaining a competitive advantage in a global marketplace. Transportation infrastructure is vital to the success of the five major economic sectors that account for 84 percent of the U.S. economy: services, manufacturing, retail, agriculture and natural resources, and transportation providers (equipment and services).

The transportation industry employs more than 12 percent of the people in Ohio. According to the Ohio Department of Development (ODOD), the trucking industry ranks 4th among the 50 states based on total economic output of $5.2 billion. Ohio ranks 4th in rail miles (5,354 miles) and its rail industry ranks fourth in economic output of $1.3 billion. Ohio ranks 5th in waterborne domestic tonnage (102 million short tons) and has 716 miles of navigable waterways. Ohio is the 7th largest state in population, and with 60 transit systems, ranks 12th in transit ridership.

To ensure a quicker and more promising economic recovery, Ohio needs to capitalize on its strategic location located in the heart of the nations industrial region and within a days drive of xxx percent of the U.S. population. It is a critical link in the U.S. and global distribution system. Taking advantage of this competitive strength, Ohio must continue to invest in highways, public transit systems, rail lines, marine and air ports to provide the transportation capacity and logistics capabilities to meet growing demands.

To Increase Economic Competitiveness. because transportation investment leads to prosperity for Ohio!

• Ohios gross domestic product was $466 billion. Every $1 invested in Ohios transportation system results in a $2.54 increase in Ohios gross domestic product.
• Ohio is the 7th largest state in population
• The transportation industry employs more than 12 percent of Ohioans
• The trucking industry ranks 4th among the 50 states based on total economic output of $5.2 billion
• Ohio ranks 4th in rail miles (5,354 miles) and its rail industry ranks fourth in economic output of $1.3 billion.
• Ohio ranks 5th in waterborne domestic tonnage (102 million short tons) and has 716 miles of navigable waterways.
• and with 60 transit systems, Ohio ranks 12th in transit ridership.