The City of Conneaut, Ohio, has been awarded a $19.5 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant to aid the Port Infrastructure Program.
The funding allotment would help the Port of Conneaut complete infrastructure developments that include connecting truck and rail freight to the Great Lakes deep-water port.
“This is great news for not only the Conneaut community but also for all of Northeast Ohio,” Rep. Dave Joyce (R-OH) said. “Conneaut is one of the most frequented ports on Lake Erie – it’s where we receive Lake Superior iron ore and ship coal, petroleum, limestone, and steel. I was proud to advocate on behalf of the port’s application to Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao and look forward to seeing these tax dollars returned to the people of Conneaut. This grant will ensure that the port can continue to make significant contributions to Northeast Ohio’s economy.”
Officials indicated the infrastructure initiatives are expected to create 168 manufacturing jobs, 1,500 direct jobs in construction, and 162 local, indirect jobs.
Joyce is credited with efforts to seamlessly advocate for Northeast Ohio’s ports and harbors on the federal level. In May, he forwarded correspondence to Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao, supporting the City of Conneaut’s grant application.
In January, Joyce wrote to the Army Corps of Engineers’ Commanding General and Chief of Engineers and the Assistant Secretary of Civil Works requesting funding to aid the Ashtabula and Conneaut harbors with Dredge Material Management Plans.