State won't sell naming rights for Ohio Turnpike
8/21/2014CLEVELAND (AP) — Ohio will pursue opportunities to collect revenue through sponsorships along the state turnpike but will not sell naming rights for the 241-mile toll road.
The Plain Dealer in Cleveland reports that a turnpike spokesman said people would view selling naming rights for the turnpike like sports teams do for their arenas and stadiums as something negative. But the state is willing to sell sponsorships and advertising that could be displayed on turnpike road signs, trucker lounges and snow plows.
Gov. John Kasich wants to use the turnpike as a revenue source that would help fund the state’s transportation budget. The turnpike had a $13.6 million budget surplus at the end of 2013 but faces higher costs for materials, labor and other expenses.