Mike Knisley, secretary treasurer at Ohio State Building Trades Council, speaks at Friday’s Wake, Rattle, & Roll event in Lima.
Cade Higgins | The Lima News
LIMA — Mike Knisley, executive secretary treasurer of the Ohio State Building Trades Council, spoke about the future of Ohio’s infrastructure at Friday’s Wake, Rattle, & Roll event.
According to Knisley, between the Inflation Reduction Act, the Bipartisan Infrastructure Bill, and the CHIPS and Science Act, nearly $2 trillion will be invested in the federal economy in the next 15 years.
Of this $2 trillion, Ohio can expect to receive over $9 billion in highway aid, $1.4 billion over five years to improve water infrastructure, $1.2 billion over five years to improve public transportation, and $483 million for bridge repairs and replacements.
“The White House says each driver in Ohio pays an average of $506 annually to drive on 1,377 bridges and more than 4,925 miles of highway that need to be repaired,” he said. “Hitting a pothole could cost $1,200 for a rim, a tire, a strut, whatever it is.”
Ohio can also expect $253 million over five years for airport development, $140 million over five years to expand EV charging networks, $100 million in broadband infrastructure investment, $26 million over five years to protect against wildfires, and $25 million to protect against cyberattacks.
Ohio will see $163.5 billion go toward future statewide projects until 2028, according to Knisley.
“We (Ohio State Building Trades) are the ones that are going to get this done,” he said.
Over 100,000 men and women are employed in the Ohio State Building Trades, making it the largest workforce in Ohio and nearly doubling the 57,000 employees at Walmart in the state. Members earn approximately $15 billion in wages and benefits.
“A lot of people years ago thought females couldn’t do it — that is bull. They can do it and everyone knows it,” he said.
“These men and women work in the 100-degree heat or the rain,” he said.
Discussing the career path, Knisley explained that most apprenticeships last three to five years, and approximately $60 million is spent annually for registered apprenticeship training programs. Each year, there are more than 11,300 apprentices undergoing training.
“We need more mentors and coaches,” he said.
Put on by the Lima/Allen Chamber of Commerce, the next event is scheduled for 7 a.m. on Dec. 6 at the Veterans Memorial Civic & Convention Center, 7 Town Square, Lima.
Reach Cade Higgins at 567-242-0351
