Lancaster, Ohio – The City of Lancaster has received an $800,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) program to fund a feasibility study for the Eastside Industrial Connector project. This award is part of a larger national initiative that allocated $1.32 billion in Round 1 funding to 109 infrastructure projects across the United States.
U.S. Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg announced the funding, part of the FY2025 RAISE discretionary grant program aimed at supporting projects with local and regional significance. The grants are split equally between urban and rural areas, with a focus on historically disadvantaged regions and areas experiencing persistent poverty.
“This is incredibly exciting for our community,” said Rick Szabrak, Fairfield County Economic and Workforce Development Director. “In total, 195 highly rated projects requested almost $2.4 billion for the $1.32 billion available in this first round of FY2025 funding, and Lancaster’s project was selected.”
The proposed Eastside Industrial Connector aims to reduce commercial traffic congestion on Main Street while improving access to the industrial land on Lancaster’s east side. The project, which is in the early planning stages, will connect the east and west sides of the city, providing a more direct route to state roads and the Fairfield Medical Center. It is expected to alleviate traffic and create a safer, more efficient transportation network for both industrial and residential areas.
Stephanie Bosco, Economic Development Director for Lancaster, explained the significance of the project: “This study is an important step in establishing a truck route that connects the west side to the east side, the north/south state roads, and creates better access to the regional hospital.”
The feasibility study will assess several key factors, including crash data, transportation-related noise and air pollution, and ways to mitigate these issues. The project aligns with the U.S. National Blueprint for Transportation Decarbonization, with an emphasis on reducing pollution and incorporating sustainable transportation solutions, such as clean energy and nature-based infrastructure.
The Eastside Industrial Connector would span six miles, involving upgrades to three miles of existing streets and the creation of three miles of new routes. These improvements will better connect the Eastside Industrial Park to State Route 33, enhancing access to interstate highways. The industrial park is home to several growing employers, including Blue Label, Post Holdings, and Babcock & Wilcox, and is expected to attract new businesses and create more job opportunities for the region.
The project also supports the City of Lancaster’s broader planning efforts, including initiatives like the Southern and Western Gateways. The city and the Lancaster Port Authority are seeking additional funding for the $50-million project, which will require collaboration across all levels of government to succeed.
“This is a critical project for our city, not just for improving transportation, but for fostering economic growth and development in Lancaster,” said Stephanie Bosco. “We’re excited to take the next steps in making the Eastside Industrial Connector a reality.”
