Ohio 21 October 11, 2025

ODOT Green Lights Cleveland Browns’ $2.4B Stadium

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) approved a permit on Sept. 18 for the construction of a new stadium for the Cleveland Browns.

The proposed stadium would be built in suburban Brook Park, next to Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. The Browns are looking to begin construction next year and start playing in their new home in 2029, following the completion of their 30-year lease at their lakefront stadium in downtown Cleveland.

ODOT originally rejected the permit on Aug. 1, citing height concerns. Haslam Sports Group — the company founded by Browns owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam, their daughter and son-in-law — had the opportunity to appeal, and both sides had been in talks for the past two months.

ODOT decided to waive the height limit, which is 150 ft. above the airport’s ground elevation, after an independent third-party consultant determined that construction of the proposed $2.4-billion domed stadium would not change any flight paths. The building will have marking and lighting required by the Federal Aviation Administration.

“All along our goal has been to ensure that all concerns

were heard and addressed, and a resolution could be found,” ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn said in a statement.

The stadium would be built on the former site of a Ford Motor Co. plant. It would sit 80 ft. below ground and 221 ft. above ground.

“We respect both the comprehensive work that the FAA did to determine that our stadium project poses no hazard to the surrounding area and ODOT’s diligent process to confirm these findings,” said Dave Jenkins, Haslam Sports Group president. “Safety is of paramount importance to all of us and was at the forefront of our detailed and deliberate process with our FAA consultants, whom we engaged with well before our architects began designing the stadium.”

Jenkins added that the Browns plan to have more working sessions with airport officials about the stadium.

The Browns are paying $1.2 billion for construction and will receive $600 million from the state. The team is hoping to fill the remaining financing gap after discussions with Brook Park officials. 

Southeastern Wins Rosie Award, Partners With Flying Horse

Southeastern Equipment Company announced it has been named a 2025 Rosie Award winner, recognized for having one of the Top 50 Health Plans for Employers in the nation.

Presented at RosettaFest 2025, the Rosie Awards celebrate organizations that go above and beyond in delivering exceptional health benefits to their workforce. Southeastern was selected from a competitive field of more than 2,000 employer-sponsored plans and is one of only 60 winners nationwide to receive this honor.

To earn a Rosie, organizations must score highly on a rigorous, independent health plan assessment and demonstrate a commitment to employee well-being by sharing best practices and transparent plan data with industry peers; investing health plan savings back into their workforce; and delivering high-value, equitable care across their organization.

“This award is a reflection of the hard work our HR team has put into building a healthcare plan that truly supports our people,” said Megan Laughlin, human resources director of Southeastern Equipment. “When we take care of our employees and their families, they show up stronger for our customers.”

Southeastern’s health plan is designed to prioritize affordability, access, and proactive care for all employees. From expanding mental health options to streamlining coverage for high-cost claims, the company has worked closely with its benefits partners to make meaningful improvements year after year.

“Winning a Rosie is not about having the flashiest plan. It’s about doing what’s right,” said Thor Hess, president and CEO. “We’re honored to be recognized for putting people first.”

Southeastern Equipment Company announced it has been named a 2025 Rosie Award winner, recognized for having one of the Top 50 Health Plans for Employers in the nation.

Flying Horse Farms Partnership

Southeastern Equipment Company continues its longstanding partnership with Flying Horse Farms, a nonprofit medical specialty camp that provides transformative camp experiences to children with serious illnesses and their families free of charge.

Over the years, Southeastern has contributed a wide range of in-kind support to help maintain and improve the camp’s more than 200-acre facility in Mt. Gilead, Ohio. From helping install drainage at the archery range to maintaining paths and supporting facility repairs, Southeastern has regularly

donated equipment, time and resources to keep the camp running smoothly and safely.

Recent contributions have included a mini-excavator, skid steers, a roller, a boom lift and a scissor lift, with more on the way, including three outdoor lights for the campfire circle.

These machines have supported numerous facility upgrades and essential repairs, such as fixing drainage and planting trees; moving materials; improving trails and paths for safer camper access; repairing ropes course features and enhancing electrical systems; and preparing for future lighting improvements to expand evening programming

“We’re honored to support Flying Horse Farms and the incredible impact they have on kids and families,” said Thor Hess, president and CEO of Southeastern Equipment. “This organization is close to our hearts. The work they do brings joy and healing to children who need it most, and we’re proud to pitch in wherever we can.”

Hess also is a member of the Flying Horse Farms board of directors and a strong advocate for equity and access, particularly for children and adolescents facing medical challenges.

Flying Horse Farms is part of the SeriousFun Children’s Network, founded by Paul Newman, and serves hundreds of children each year living with conditions such as cancer, heart disease, blood disorders and rare illnesses. Through adaptive activities and around-the-clock medical support, the camp gives kids the chance just to be kids and laugh, play, connect and heal.

For more information visit rosettafest.org/rosie-awards2025 flyinghorsefarms.org. 

Officials Break Ground On $36M Riverfront Redevelopment

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine joined local leaders Aug. 11 to break ground on three transformational riverfront projects along the Ohio River made possible through the Appalachian Community Grant Program.

Projects in Ripley, Higginsport and New Richmond will spur economic development in downtown districts, improve access to the river and create vibrant spaces for recreation and tourism. DeWine announced the projects in May 2024 as part of the Appalachian Community Grant Program’s Wonderful Waterfronts Initiative.

“The Ohio River played a powerful role in shaping our state’s history, including the communities built along its banks. With these investments, the river will once again be a driver for new economic development,” said DeWine. “These projects will improve the quality of life for people who call Ripley, Higginsport and New Richmond home, as well as create new opportunities to attract businesses, families and visitors.”

“These investments are the result of bold ideas and a shared vision to transform some of Appalachia’s most proud communities into vibrant destinations where small businesses can grow and people of all ages can create memories that last a lifetime,” said Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik. “We asked our local partners to dream big — and they delivered.”

In Ripley, DeWine broke ground on the

Freedom Landing Riverfront Revitalization project.

Supported by a nearly $16.4 million award, the project will feature an amphitheater and event lawn, festival space, concessions, public restrooms and expanded parking to support downtown activity. A new Freedom Plaza will include the dramatic 30ft. Freedom Beacon, reinstall the Freedom Monument and honor Ripley’s Underground Railroad heroes with new historical markers.

Enhanced pedestrian pathways and wayfinding will link the riverfront with Main Street, creating a more walkable, inviting environment that supports tourism, local businesses and overall quality of life.

The project is complemented by the separately funded Freedom Landing boat dock, which will further enhance public access to the river. The effort is funded by a $1.6 million Cooperative Boating Facility Grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, $825,000 from the state of Ohio capital budget, $700,000 Appalachian Regional Commission grant and private investments.

In Higginsport, DeWine celebrated the more than $6.3 million investment that will reimagine Slim Sallee Park into a dynamic community and tourism hub along the Ohio River. The redevelopment includes a new fishing pier and overlook, pedestrian walk-

ways, multi-use event space, modern restrooms and an RV campground — reconnecting the village with its riverfront and creating welcoming spaces for residents and visitors.

In New Richmond, DeWine joined local leaders to break ground on the Liberty Landing Redevelopment project.

With nearly $13.5 million in support from the Appalachian Community Grant Program, New Richmond is reimagining its riverfront as a walkable, welcoming destination that highlights the village’s historic charm and scenic Ohio River setting.

The project includes a new public marina, an ADA-accessible floating dock system, event space and streetscape upgrades along Front Street, transforming the area into a vibrant hub for festivals, recreation and tourism.

As part of Ohio’s Wonderful Waterfronts Initiative, $204 million is being directed to communities in 12 counties to expand access to local waterways, revitalize historic riverfront downtowns and create new opportunities for tourism and recreation. The initiative is funded through the broader Appalachian Community Grant Program, which has committed $500 million to strengthen Ohio’s 32county Appalachian region. The DeWine Administration spearheaded this investment with support from the Ohio General Assembly in 2022. 

Gov., ODOT Award $12.7M for Local Safety Improvements

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine and Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) Director Pamela Boratyn announced Aug. 14 that $12.7 million in grant funding will be awarded to support several small communities with transportation infrastructure needs.

The funding, awarded through ODOT’s Small City Program, will be invested in eight cities to support critical road infrastructure improvements that enhance safety, accessibility and economic development. The Small City Program focuses on supporting roadway, safety and pedestrian projects in cities with populations between 5,000 and 24,999 that are not part of a Metropolitan Planning Organization (MPO).

“The Small City Program is an essential tool for helping communities improve their roads, sidewalks and safety infrastructure,” said Boratyn. “Through these grants, we’re providing critical funding to improve transportation infrastructure, enhance safety, and support economic growth.”

The following eight projects have been selected for funding:

Geneva (Ashtabula County):

$2,000,000 — West Main Street Reconstruction – Phase 2 — Work includes complete pavement reconstruction and replacement of sanitary and storm sewer lines. The project also will add curb ramps, sidewalks and improved pedestrian crossings to support walkability and safety.

Columbiana (Columbiana County): $1,466,354 — State

“Investing in local communities is critical in keeping Ohio’s infrastructure strong and communities connected,” said DeWine. “These awards represent Ohio’s continued commitment to supporting the unique needs of our smaller communities across the state.”

Route 14/State Route 46/State Route 164 Traffic Signal

Replacement — Work includes the replacement of outdated traffic signals at three intersections within the State Route 14/46/164 triangle. The upgrades will include new poles, pedestrian signals and detectors, traffic signals and modern signal controllers.

Fremont (Sandusky County):

$2,000,000 — Hayes Avenue & South 5th Street Reconstruction — This project will consist of fulldepth reconstruction and resurfacing of Hayes Avenue and South 5th Street, including the addition of sidewalks, pedestrian crossings and shared bike lane markings to promote multi-modal travel.

Norwalk (Huron County):

$2,000,000 — West Main Street (State Route 61) Rehabilitation — Phase 5 of this multi-phase project includes full-depth reconstruction, removal of old trolley tracks

and base brick, installation of a new traffic signal, new curb ramps and sidewalks from Newton Street to the Church Street/Case Avenue intersection.

London (Madison County):

$755,400 — W. 4th Street FullDepth Reconstruction — This project reconstructs W. 4th Street between N. Oak Street and N. Main Street and includes installation of storm sewers, parallel parking, curb and gutter, 5-ft. sidewalks on both sides and new Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant curb ramps.

Uhrichsville (Tuscarawas County): $1,553,900 — Jaycee Road and Trenton Avenue Improvements — The project includes partial and full-depth pavement repairs, asphalt overlay, new curbs and sidewalks, improved drainage, pavement striping and signage on portions of Trenton Avenue and Jaycee Road.

Van Wert (Van Wert County):

$2,000,000 — S. Walnut Street

Full-Depth Reconstruction — This project will reconstruct S. Walnut Street from E. Ervin Road to Hospital Drive. It includes new sidewalks, stormwater system replacement, upgraded utilities, new curb and gutter and enhanced pavement markings and signage. Upper Sandusky (Wyandot County): $888,440 — E. Wyandot Avenue Pavement Milling — This project includes pavement milling and full-depth repairs on E. Wyandot Avenue from Huffman Way to Township Road 124. Work includes pavement markings, utility adjustments and the installation of high-reflectivity signage for improved safety. In total, the eight selected projects will receive $12,664,094, supported using Toll Revenue Credits to reduce the local match required by each project sponsor. 

DRP Truck & Equipment Joins HD Hyundai Network

Hyundai Construction Equipment photo DRP Truck & Equipment has just joined the HD Hyundai Construction Equipment North America dealer network as a full-service dealership serving eastern Ohio. Ed Desmond (C), district manager, HD Hyundai CE NA, presents a Hyundai dealer plaque to DRP’s president, Mario Piergallini (L) and vice president, Giovanni Piergallini.

HD Hyundai Construction Equipment

North America has just appointed DRP Truck & Equipment as a full-line dealer for eastern Ohio, serving the counties of Harrison, Tuscarawas, Jefferson, Belmont, Guernsey, Coshocton, Holmes, Stark, Carroll and Columbiana.

Founded in 1993 as Dino Piergallini and Sons Equipment Inc., the dealership began with a focus on small agricultural products before expanding into compact rentals in the early 2000s. Following the passing of founder Dino Piergallini in 2013, sons Mario and Giovanni Piergallini assumed leadership, as president and vice president, respectively, carrying forward with renewed passion their vision for the heavy construction industry. Today, DRP Truck & Equipment encompasses a full-scale, multi-location sales, service and rental operation with a strong presence in construction, energy, civil and demolition markets.

“Becoming a Hyundai Construction Equipment dealer marks a major step in DRP’s growth,” said Giovanni. “Our partnership with Hyundai will provide customers in eastern Ohio with access to a full line of advanced, dependable equipment backed by industry-leading factory parts and service support. We’re excited about the entire Hyundai lineup, but their wheel loaders in particular stand out as a product segment with strong regional demand.”

“We’ve seen that DRP’s facilities and

capabilities are designed with uptime and customer support in mind,” said Rich Desmond, district manager, HD Hyundai Construction Equipment NA. “They operate multiple service and retail locations and a fleet of fully equipped field service trucks and factory-trained technicians who deliver onsite support to keep customers’ equipment running. That makes DRP exactly the type of dealership we want to see selling and supporting Hyundai products.”

“Whether it’s complex component rebuilds, preventative maintenance or rapid-response field service, we take pride in delivering service that matches the scale and urgency of our customers’ work,” Giovanni said.

In addition to the full line of Hyundai excavators, wheel loaders, articulated dump trucks, skid steer and compact track loaders, crawler dozers and hydraulic breakers, DRP offers several complementary lines, including agricultural tractors and equipment, crawler carriers and a wide range of attachments and support equipment.

“At DRP, we have always believed that our job is bigger than selling and renting equipment — it’s about helping our customers succeed,” Giovanni said. “Hyundai gives us the ability to expand that mission with quality machines, innovative technology and a level of support that aligns with our vision for the future.”

For more information visit na.hdhyundaice.com and drpequipment.com. 

Rail Development Commission Approves Project Grants

The Ohio Rail Development Commission approved grants for three projects throughout the state.

Edon Farmers Co-Op

A $375,000 grant was approved for Indiana Northeastern Railroad (INE) to extend an existing siding near the Edon Farmers Co-Op in Edon, Ohio. The project will increase the rail car capacity on the siding from 60 cars to 110 cars.

Edon Farmers Co-Op is a unit train grain shipper from its Edon elevator. The co-op ships out approximately 700 carloads of grain per year and interchanges with Norfolk Southern (NS). NS is planning to adjust grain shipping rates to favor unit train sizes of 105 cars or more, rendering the smaller 85-car shipments non-competitive.

The increase in minimum train size means loads will exceed the existing sidetrack capacity, effectively blocking INE from continuing service to its customers along the western portion of the line. The siding expansion will allow for the room needed to accommodate increased traffic demands and preserve service efficiency and satisfaction for the railroad’s customers.

“The new siding will ensure service to the Edon Farmers Co-Op while allowing the railroad to effectively serve existing customers and create an opportunity to attract new customers along the line. We are happy to support Indiana Northeastern in this effort,” said Matthew Dietrich, executive director, Ohio Rail Development Commission.

“Edon Farmers Co-Op has been a longvalued customer for our railroad, and we are pleased to work with the state of Ohio to

increase capacity, safety and accessibility for them as well as future rail customers,” said Andrew Hershman, marketing and sales, Indiana Northeastern Railroad. “The investment will increase our ability to provide competitive, reliable service in an everchanging transportation industry.”

Kalmbach Feeds

A $300,000 grant was awarded to Kalmbach Feeds Inc. to install a new rail spur at its feed mill near Upper Sandusky, Ohio. The new spur will directly serve the feed mill and a new pet foods facility. This project is estimated at more than $125 million.

Kalmbach Feeds is a family-owned Ohio company founded in 1963 in Upper Sandusky. The company currently has operations in four states. Kalmbach Feeds produces a variety of animal feeds and nutrition for livestock such as horses, cows and chickens.

The company is planning to expand its product line to include pet foods for dogs and cats. The new facility, however, must be separated physically from other aspects of the operation in Upper Sandusky due to the significantly different regulatory structure for feed operations as compared to pet food operations. Kalmbach plans to locate the new pet foods plant on a parcel at their northernmost facility, the MPK Feeds Plant.

Raw materials will be shipped to the facility via rail to the newly constructed Rail Receiving and Transload facility, and then transloaded to the new pet foods facility where the materials will be processed, packaged and shipped to customers via truck.

Upon completion of this project, Kalmbach Feeds will commit to hiring 213 new employees, retaining 509 existing employees and ship/receive 400 new rail cars per year at their Upper Sandusky-area operations.

“We are happy to partner with Kalmbach Feeds and support them in this endeavor. The new siding will improve the company’s operations and allow for their continued growth in Ohio,” said Matthew Dietrich, executive director, Ohio Rail Development Commission.

“We’re grateful for our partnership with the Ohio Rail Development Commission in bringing this new industrial rail siding project to fruition,” said Paul Kalmbach Jr., Kalmbach Feeds Inc. president. “This rail infrastructure upgrade significantly improves our ability to receive high-quality ingredients, enabling us to produce the premium feeds our customers expect with greater speed and reliability.”

Ohio Central Railroad

Ohio Central Railroad (OHCR) received a grant in the amount of $1,055,817 to replace 19,200 linear ft. of 90-lb. jointed rail with 115RE continuous-welded rail, upgrade a turnout in Beach City, Ohio, and rehabilitate three grade crossing surfaces. The total project is estimated at $2.1 million.

OHCR is a Class 3 railroad operating over approximately 74 mi. of track between Zanesville, Ohio, and Brewster, Ohio. The route primarily handles interchange traffic between Wheeling & Lake Erie Railway at Brewster and the Ohio Central System railroads.

Commodities include aggregate trains from National Lime and Stone from Brewster to Coshocton, Ohio, along with general manifest traffic. Interchange traffic between OHCR and Wheeling and Lake Erie Railway has increased dramatically since 2019. Possible re-routing of traffic through the Brewster gateway has the potential to increase this volume even more in the future.

The proposed project is the final phase of a multi-year project to upgrade 90-lb. jointed rail between Brewster and Beach City to 115RE continuously welded rail. The rail being replaced is substandard weight for 286,000-lb. rail traffic and the light rail weight, combined with shorter 4-hole joint bars, results in increased rail flaw fatigue defects and broken rails. This rail was rolled between 1925 and 1941, so it is beyond its useful service life.

“This project is an important component of the railroad’s overall plan to maintain safety of operations and ensure continued service for their customers who expect it,” said Matthew Dietrich, executive director, Ohio Rail Development Commission.

“The Ohio Central Railroad Rail Replacement project has been a priority for some time and without the partnership with ORDC, the project would have been delayed further, preventing the true benefits to the railroad and rail freight shippers,” said Charles Hunter, AVP Government Affairs of Genesee and Wyoming Railroad Services Inc. “The new rail will be of heavier manufacture weight and of higher quality to better support the heavier railcars used in modern day rail freight service.” 

Governor Announces Four New All Ohio Future Fund Sites

Ohio Gov. Mike DeWine, Lt. Gov. Jim Tressel and Ohio Department of Development Director Lydia Mihalik announced July 21 four properties that will be prepared for future economic development with support from the All Ohio Future Fund (AOFF).

More than $225 million in AOFF funding will be used to improve infrastructure at sites in Coshocton, Lorain, Montgomery and Muskingum counties. DeWine created the All Ohio Future Fund with support from the Ohio General Assembly to help attract future economic development projects by preparing large sites with necessary infrastructure.

“When major corporations are looking for somewhere to build, they want sites that are prepped and ready for construction,” said DeWine. “By investing to build infrastructure at the Conesville, Lorain, Dayton and Frazeysburg sites, we’re making Ohio more competitive and positioning those regions to attract projects that create good-paying jobs and boost the state’s economy.”

“There’s a lot of work that goes into preparing a site for development, so we’re literally laying the groundwork for

future jobs and economic development in these communities,” said Tressel. “We’ve already generated interest in these locations, and by proactively preparing them with needed infrastructure, these sites won’t be vacant for long.”

“Through the All Ohio Future Fund, we’re paving the way for major business investments in Ohio,” said Mihalik. “These targeted investments ensure Ohio remains a competitive, business-ready state — equipping communities today for the jobs and economic impact of tomorrow.”

The Dayton International Airport will receive $78,750,000 for upgrades to the Dayton Airport Defense and Aerospace campus. Planned work includes building a new apron and rehabilitating the existing one to expand the airport’s capacity for new hangars to support future economic development projects.

The Lorain County Board of Commissioners will receive $67,412,580 for infrastructure improvements at the Lorain County mega site. The funding will expand water capacity to deliver up to 10 million gal. per day, improve wastewater service and support design and engineering of a new waste-

water treatment plant.

The Coshocton County Port Authority will receive $58,752,504 in support of the Conesville Industrial Park project. The funding will be used for roadwork, utility upgrades and water and wastewater improvements to help prepare the site for future development.

The Zanesville-Muskingum Port Authority will receive $20,701,384 to provide water and sanitary access to 600 acres in Jackson Township, within the Frazeysburg development area. The funding will support new public water and wastewater infrastructure to serve the site, including a water treatment plant and a wastewater treatment plant. These improvements will allow the site to be marketable to a variety of potential end-users and encourage investment in the region.

In total, 11 project sites have now received support from the All Ohio Future Fund, representing nearly $350 million in investments to communities around the state. Previously announced projects are located in Defiance, Gallia, Guernsey, Muskingum, Pickaway and Trumbull counties. 

ODOT Opens New I-270 South to I-70 East Flyover Ramp

The Ohio Department of Transportation’s Far East Freeway project reached a major milestone Aug. 16 with the opening of the new I-270 southbound to I-70 eastbound flyover ramp.

This ramp is the centerpiece of the first phase of construction, a $76 million investment which began in 2022 to improve the I-70/I-270/Brice Road eastbound interchange.

“This project is about more than new pavement and bridges. It’s about making everyday travel safer and more efficient for the thousands of drivers who rely on this corridor,” said District 6 Deputy Director Toni Turowski. “The new flyover ramp is a major step toward reducing congestion and improving traffic flow for years to come.”

The new two-lane flyover replaces the old loop ramp from I-270 south to I-70 east, reducing the weaving and merging that have long contributed to congestion at the interchange. It also carries traffic over both directions of I-270, with the left lane continuing to I-70 eastbound and the right lane exiting to Brice Road.

In addition to the new ramp, this phase of construction included a new lane on I-70 eastbound between I-270 and Brice Road. The project also reconfigured the I-270 northbound ramp to I-70 east and Brice Road, with the goal of reducing congestion and improving safety.

This milestone is part of ODOT’s larger effort to address growing travel demand between downtown Columbus and eastern Ohio. Future investments will widen I-70 and reconfigure multiple interchanges between Livingston Avenue in Franklin County and SR 256 in Fairfield County.

Remaining work on the first phase of construction is expected to be completed this fall. Work has already begun on the next phase, a $89 million project focusing on I-70 westbound from Brice Road to I-270, including reconstruction of the Brice Road bridge. 