Rep. Brennan Continues Criticism of Public Funding for Browns Stadium Infrastructure Amid Statewide Transportation Needs

COLUMBUS — State Rep. Sean Patrick Brennan (D-Parma) today renewed his opposition to the use of public funding to subsidize infrastructure around the proposed Cleveland Browns stadium relocation in Brook Park amid limited statewide infrastructure dollars.

“This is exactly the kind of fiscal irresponsibility Ohioans are sick of,” said Rep. Brennan. “At a time when communities in rural and urban counties alike are begging for funds to fix crumbling roads, improve safety near schools, or maintain basic transit infrastructure, we are prioritizing a billionaire-owned sports franchise? It’s wrong.”

The Ohio Department of Transportation’s Transportation Review Advisory Council (TRAC) is currently reviewing $674 million in funding requests from 27 applicants across the state. Among the largest requests is a $70.3 million proposal from the City of Brook Park to upgrade roadways—particularly Interstate 71—to support the development of a new NFL stadium.

The Brook Park application—supported by the Haslam Sports Group—proposes using a mix of TRAC funding, federal programs, loans, and tax increment financing to support roadway improvements connected to the stadium project.

Meanwhile, other projects vying for TRAC dollars include:

• $165M for I-70 interchange improvements in rapidly growing Fairfield and Licking counties;
• $70M for Greater Cleveland RTA’s reconstruction of 40-year-old light rail infrastructure;
• $22.8M for Bus Rapid Transit along Columbus’ East Main Street corridor; and
• Major safety and congestion relief projects in Summit, Hamilton, Stark, and Butler counties.

Rep. Brennan questioned why a sports-related request would leapfrog essential public infrastructure needs.

“There are real needs in the community regarding improving infrastructure. We are hearing from school districts that sidewalks and crosswalks are falling apart. RTA is replacing ancient railcars, and they need safe tracks to run them on. Akron and Columbus are asking for traffic relief where thousands of people commute daily. These are needs. A stadium is a want,” continued Rep. Brennan.

Rep. Brennan also called for transparency and long-term accountability in how transportation dollars are prioritized.

“The TRAC process is supposed to be about moving people and goods efficiently, safely, and equitably—not about subsidizing private ventures under the banner of regional development. Let the Browns fund their stadium and infrastructure the way any other for-profit business would. Our tax dollars should support the public—especially working families who rely on roads, bridges, and public transportation every single day,” concluded Rep. Brennan.

Rep. Brennan pledged to continue advocating for fairer use of transportation funds and equitable investment in infrastructure that serves all Ohioans—not just the wealthiest interests.