Ohio in Talks Over Drilling Road Repairs

Ohio is trying to reach an agreement with drilling companies so they’ll pay for any damage or upgrades to roads taking on the heavy equipment needed to extract oil and gas from shale rock beneath the state.

The governor’s office and the Ohio Department of Transportation tell The Columbus Dispatch they’re in negotiations with energy companies and local government officials.

ODOT deputy director Lloyd MacAdam says up to $2 million in construction may be necessary on roads leading to well sites.

County officials and an advocacy group say the state is trying to take away local government’s ability to force companies to pay for costly repair jobs. Spokesmen for Gov. John Kasich and for Chesapeake Energy both say the state can provide a uniform payment process.