The Canton Repository has a good article on the use of road use maintenance agreements by Ohio operators: “Since companies started drilling into the Utica Shale formation in 2011, they have been working deals with counties and townships aimed at ensuring roads leading to drilling sites are maintained and repaired. That prompted state officials to become involved, which led to legislation on RUMAs, or road use maintenance agreements. *** At the end of April, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and Ohio Department of Transportation issued a report reviewing the effectiveness of Senate Bill 315, which outlined RUMAs. *** State officials view the law as a success, calling it a ‘mutual tool’ that oil companies and government officials can use to ensure that roads and bridges are upgraded to meet the load, and are available and maintained.” (Emphasis is ours.)
