Rep. Thomas Announces $116K for Urban League to Support Workforce Development for Brent Spence Bridge Project

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Cecil Thomas (D-Cincinnati) today announced that the Ohio Controlling Board has approved the release of $ $116,947  to the Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio to support workforce development initiatives related to the Brent Spence Bridge Project.

“This funding will create real opportunities for individuals in our community to enter the skilled trades and contribute to one of Ohio’s most important infrastructure projects. By connecting minority and women workers to the highway construction workforce, we’re helping to build a more inclusive and diverse economy,” said Rep. Thomas.

The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) receives federal funding from the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) for On-the-Job Training (OJT) Supportive Services, which is used to build employment pipelines for highway construction projects. ODOT is responsible for ensuring that these federal programs benefit all people in the workforce, particularly those from underrepresented groups.

The Urban League of Greater Southwestern Ohio currently runs the Building Futures Program, a construction-based pre-apprenticeship initiative that connects participants with union apprenticeships in the skilled trades. Through this program, individuals gain the skills and training needed to enter trade unions and pursue long-term careers in construction. ODOT aims to increase minority and female participation on its projects, in line with federal requirements for OJT Supportive Services.

The funding of $116,947 will be used to develop and conduct a Heavy Highway Career Day and Job Site Observation Day for three cohorts of the Building Futures Program in 2026. These events will provide 60-80 participants the opportunity to speak with representatives from heavy highway unions and prime contractors, as well as observe live ODOT projects in action.

The funding will also cover transportation for participants to and from the ODOT job sites, personal protective equipment (PPE), and program supplies. The Urban League has already established strong relationships with heavy highway transportation unions and the local community surrounding the Brent Spence Bridge Project. This funding will help eliminate barriers to employment and provide participants with a clear path toward economic self-sufficiency and financial empowerment.