OKI Approves Record $82 Million Investment Advancing Regional Trail Connectivity

The Ohio-Kentucky-Indiana Regional Council of Governments (OKI) has approved a record $82 million investment in 52 transportation projects, the largest single-year funding award in its 61-year history. This landmark decision marks a major step forward for mobility, safety, and connectivity across the Tri-State, especially for the region’s growing network of multi-use trails.

“These transportation projects will improve mobility and safety for drivers, transit riders, cyclists, and pedestrians throughout our region,” said OKI Board President Josh Gerth. “OKI’s Board and staff are steadfast in making Ohio, Kentucky, and Indiana better places to live, work, and raise a family.”

For Tri-State Trails, several of the projects funded this cycle directly advance our vision for a connected network of trails and bikeways that link people to places throughout Greater Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky.

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Closing in on a Connected CROWN

Two key Cincinnati projects funded in OKI’s investment will bring the region closer to a seamless, safe trail loop along the riverfront and through the city’s east side.

The first, the Ohio River Trail–Oasis Corridor Phase 2, led by Great Parks of Hamilton County, advances one of the most critical connections in the CROWN (Cincinnati Riding or Walking Network). Funded through OKI’s Ohio Surface Transportation Block Grant and Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality programs, this $6 million investment with a 20 percent local match will link T. M. Berry International Friendship Park to the Lunken Airport Trail.

Once complete, this project will close a major gap in the 34-mile loop and bring the region within just 0.4 miles of achieving the CROWN Capital Campaign’s goal of 24 connected miles from Uptown to Downtown.

The second, the Cincinnati–Ohio River Trail through Sawyer Point and Yeatman’s Cove, will remove inactive railroad tracks between the Purple People Bridge and the National Steamboat Monument. This necessary safety improvement will create a smoother, more accessible experience for everyone walking, rolling, or riding along the Ohio River Trail. The project received $1 million in federal funds through OKI’s Surface Transportation Block Grant program.

Together, these projects represent years of collaboration to transform unused rail corridors and disconnected trail segments into a continuous, world-class active transportation route along the riverfront and through Cincinnati’s east side. This progress brings the vision of the CROWN closer than ever to reality.

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Expanding Access Along the Mill Creek Triangle Trail

Tri-State Trails is leading the Mill Creek Triangle Trail Feasibility Study, a multi-jurisdictional effort to create an equitable transportation and recreation system that connects neighborhoods to the Mill Creek, local business districts, schools, and parks. The network will link Great Parks’ regional greenspaces, including Winton Woods, Glenwood Gardens, and Sharon Woods, and will ultimately connect to the CROWN.

As part of OKI’s investment, one project will directly advance this vision. The Forest Park–Sharon Winton Multi-Use Path received $1,027,488 in federal funding through the Transportation Alternatives program. Along with other funded projects such as Woodlawn’s Marion Road and Chester Road improvements, these investments are laying the groundwork for a connected north–south trail corridor that will one day extend all the way to downtown Cincinnati.

Tri-State Trails collaborated with the City of Forest Park to design this project, which will fill a critical gap in the Mill Creek Triangle Trail network. When complete, the new shared-use path will connect residential neighborhoods to nearby schools, parks, and the regional trail system at Winton Woods and Sharon Woods, creating a safe, low-stress option for walking and biking.

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Investing in Safe, Connected Communities

Since 2018, OKI has awarded more than $448 million in transportation funding through its annual federal prioritization program, which includes the Surface Transportation Block Grant, Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality, and Transportation Alternatives programs. These funds empower local governments to address mobility, safety, and quality of life across the Tri-State.

“These historic investments are more critical than ever for driving our economy, enhancing efficiency, and shaping our future,” said OKI CEO Mark Policinski. “Collaboration is at the heart of our service-driven culture. We are deeply committed to working hand in hand with our member communities to transform local needs into lasting progress.”

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A Shared Vision for the Region’s Future

For Tri-State Trails, OKI’s record-breaking investment reaffirms the power of regional collaboration to deliver real progress. Each trail extension, sidewalk improvement, and transit investment adds up to a stronger, more connected region where people can safely walk, roll, or ride to the places that matter most.

“This round of OKI funding moves us closer than ever to a truly connected active transportation network,” said Wade Johnston, Executive Director for Tri-State Trails. “Projects like the Oasis Trail, Forest Park extension, and Mill Creek Triangle Trail connections show what is possible when local communities work together toward a shared vision.”

Explore the complete list of projects in OKI’s 2025 Funded Infrastructure Project List (PDF), and learn more about how these investments are shaping the future of mobility at oki.org.