Kasich's Ohio Turnpike plan quiets most critics - 21 News Now, More Local News for Youngstown, Ohio -

Kasich's Ohio Turnpike plan quiets most critics

TOLEDO, Ohio (AP) - Ohio Gov. John Kasich's (KAY'-siks) decision not to lease the Ohio Turnpike is likely to help him avoid a lengthy political battle over the toll road in northern Ohio.

The governor surprised some this past week when he rejected the idea of handing the toll road over to a private operator.

He instead wants to borrow against future toll revenue to generate up to $3 billion for highway and bridge construction projects.

Kasich quieted some of his critics who were worried that leasing the turnpike would bring toll increases, job losses and less maintenance on the road.

Still, some Democrats think it's the wrong time to take on more debt and wonder how the construction money will be divided.

The governor says the proposal he settled on is a perfect solution.

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