Rep. Sykes Announces $10 Million in Federal Funding for Akron Innerbelt Project
AKRON, OH — Today, U.S. Representative Emilia Sykes (OH-13) announced the City of Akron received a grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) to help with the Reconnecting West Akron Innerbelt Project. In 2024, Rep. Sykes wrote a letter of support to DOT Secretary Buttigieg to support this project and grant award.
“As a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, I recognize the necessity of public improvement projects and a need to be strategic and mindful in the planning and execution of highway projects,” said Rep. Sykes. “The City of Akron’s efforts to strategically rectify its missteps, while creating a stronger, more connected community and creating jobs and economic opportunity is needed for our future success.”
“This funding will allow the City of Akron to build on our commitment to bridge divides created by the construction of the Innerbelt. We'll be able to move from discussion and planning to building and construction, and our community can have confidence they will start to see visible changes to this space in the coming years. I'm grateful to all our partners in this process who have supported the work, advocated for us, and helped us receive this funding, including Congresswoman Emilia Sykes, Sasaki & Associates and WSP, Studio O led by Liz Ogbu, the Innerbelt Advisory Group, and of course our dedicated city staff who worked so diligently on this application,” said Akron Mayor Shammas Malik.
These funds, made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, are from the DOT Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program. Akron will use the $10 million to support the repurposing of a one-mile section of State Route 59, or the Innerbelt highway, that cuts through central Akron. These funds are in addition to the $960,000 the city received in March 2023 from the same DOT program.
Innerbelt construction began in 1970 to create a 4-mile-long, six-lane highway, which now cuts through central Akron. Prior to the construction, the area was a vibrant community that was home to many families of color. The project resulted in the displacement of many of these families, in addition to businesses. Currently, just over 11 of the 40 acres of highway are in use. The City of Akron is now working with community members to redevelop the decommissioned areas.
The Reconnecting West Akron Innerbelt Project proposes a series of market and equity-based development solutions and transportation and infrastructure improvements that reduce the barrier created by the Innerbelt. The Project incorporates community and stakeholder input as the driver of the final design that redevelops the decommissioned Innerbelt site, reconnects the neighborhoods that were severed by the highway, and begins the process of community healing.