A pair of Ohio ports, including Toledo’s, will receive millions in federal funding to assist with various infrastructure projects.
The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority will receive $16 million, with the remaining $11 million earmarked for the Port of Cleveland. U.S. Rep. Marcy Kaptur (D., Toledo), chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, said the funds highlight Toledo’s regional and national importance in the shipping industry.
”I am thrilled that both the Port of Toledo and Port of Cleveland have been recognized by the Department of Transportation for national funding,” Miss Kaptur said. “Today’s announcement is a major victory and step forward for Northern Ohio’s shipping infrastructure. Last year, I sent a letter urging DOT Secretary Elaine Chao to accept both grant applications. Thank you to the DOT for prioritizing these critical infrastructure projects.”
The Port Authority plans to use the federal dollars at the International Cargo Docks to repair the dock wall, install a liquid bulk transloading operation, and make improvements to the on-dock rail-to-vessel transfer points of access. The $16 million award will be matched with an additional $4 million in local funds.
Ohio Republican Sen. Rob Portman called the development “great news” for Toledo and northwest Ohio.
“I applaud Secretary Chao for providing Ohio with the resources needed to repair and upgrade the port’s infrastructure,” Mr. Portman said. “This port is the largest landmass sea port on the Great Lakes, with 25 terminals along the Maumee River, so these repairs and upgrades are of high priority.”
U.S. Rep. Bob Latta (R., Bowling Green) sent a letter to Ms. Chao last August requesting the funding.
“Funding for this critical infrastructure will ensure the port’s future viability and growth by implementing intermodal connectivity that will allow the port to continue to expand,” Mr. Latta wrote. “This project will be fully operational in 2020 and bring 100 additional vessels to the port each year in addition to over 500 vessels that currently call on Toledo’s terminals.”
The Port of Toledo handles 9-12 million tons of cargo shipped each year to other Great Lakes ports. The port generates $1.12 billion annually in business and employs 7,000 people across the region.
First Published February 11, 2020, 5:32 p.m.
