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Ohio Farm Bureau is calling on members, landowners and rural residents to make their voice heard as the Ohio Department of Transportation evaluates a potential connector between U.S. 23 and Interstate 71.

The state-required feasibility study has narrowed potential routes to three options in Marion and Morrow counties. And while still hypothetical, the proposal raises significant concerns about farmland loss, impacts to rural communities and overall costs to taxpayers.

Ohio Farm Bureau, alongside the respective county Farm Bureaus, has submitted comments to ODOT highlighting these concerns and emphasized that “feasibility” must go beyond whether a project can be built to determine if it should be constructed. The organization also highlighted the agency’s 2025 study that identified 33 needed improvements along U.S. 23 and urged that those projects be prioritized.

ODOT is accepting public comments through April 14, and Ohio Farm Bureau is encouraging anyone who may be impacted or concerned to share feedback during this critical stage of the process.

To assist, the organization has developed an email template that can be personalized and sent directly to ODOT, sharing how the connector may affect individual farms, businesses or communities. The template can be found at ofb.ag/23connectorstudy and any additional questions can be directed to [email protected].

Make your voice heard in Ohio Farm Bureau

Advocacy efforts like this are a part of Ohio Farm Bureau’s mission to ensure agriculture has a strong, unified voice when critical decisions are on the table. As a member-led organization, Ohio Farm Bureau works through advocacy initiatives, member engagement and leadership development to support the interests of rural communities and preserve farmland for the next generation. For more information on becoming a member, visit ohiofarmbureau.org.

This is a news release for use by journalists. Questions should be directed to Ryan Matthews, 614-246-8210 or [email protected].