Port of Cleveland Secures $4.2 Million in State Grant Funding to Strengthen Maritime Infrastructure and Drive Economic Growth
CLEVELAND — January 28, 2026 — The Cleveland–Cuyahoga County Port Authority (the Port of Cleveland) has been awarded $4.2 million through the Ohio Maritime Assistance Program (MAP), a competitive Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) grant program supporting strategic maritime infrastructure investments across Ohio.
The funding will support two Port-led construction projects — $2.7 million for the Dock 22 Rehabilitation and Operational Efficiency Project and $1.5 million for the CHEERS Early Action Breakwater Project — both designed to enhance maritime trade, strengthen waterfront infrastructure, and support long-term economic growth in Northeast Ohio.
“These investments strengthen the Port’s ability to move cargo efficiently, support regional economic growth, and extend the life of critical maritime infrastructure,” said Jeff Epstein, President and CEO of the Port of Cleveland. “We’re grateful to ODOT for recognizing the value of these projects and their impact on Ohio’s economy and supply chain.”
MAP provides funding to Ohio’s public port authorities for projects that enhance waterborne freight movement, expand cargo-handling capacity, and support economic development along Lake Erie and the Ohio River. Grants require a 50 percent local match and prioritize projects that deliver measurable transportation and economic benefits.
“Ohio’s waterways are a critical asset to the state’s economy, and the Maritime Assistance Program provides needed funding to improve port infrastructure safety that supports Ohio businesses,” said ODOT Director Pamela Boratyn. “This program ensures that our maritime system remains a reliable and efficient link in the global supply chain, driving job creation and long-term prosperity for both our Lake Erie and Ohio River communities.”
CHEERS Early Action Breakwater Project
The Port of Cleveland received $1.5 million in MAP funding to advance an Early Action Project under the CHEERS initiative, building on extensive regional planning and collaboration. The Early Action Project represents a first, targeted phase of the broader CHEERS effort, allowing critical work to move forward while full implementation continues to be developed.
MAP funding will support permitting, final engineering, property acquisition, and construction of the Early Action Project. Additional funding is being pursued through the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s National Coastal Resilience Fund and a NOAA Transformational Habitat grant. Combined with $1.5 million from the City of Cleveland, these investments position the project to move efficiently toward construction.
“This funding allows us to move CHEERS from planning into implementation,” said Linda Sternheimer, Senior Vice President of Urban Planning and Engagement. “By advancing an early phase of the project, we can streamline permitting and finalize design, while laying the groundwork for the full, long-term strategy.”
Once complete, CHEERS is expected to create approximately 3.1 million cubic yards of dredged material capacity, extending the useful life of the Port’s Confined Disposal Facilities by an estimated 15 to 20 years, assuming continuation of existing beneficial-use operations.
Dock 22 Rehabilitation and Operational Efficiency Project
The Port also received $2.7 million in MAP funding for the Dock 22 Rehabilitation and Operational Efficiency Project at its General Cargo Terminal. Dock 22 has not undergone significant upgrades since it was originally constructed in 1998, making these improvements critical to maintaining safe, efficient, and competitive port operations.
Planned improvements include:
- Construction of a vehicle maintenance and hiring hall annex adjacent to Warehouse A, featuring a two-bay garage for reach stackers and forklifts
- Concrete repaving and upgrades to stormwater and electrical infrastructure at Dock 22
- Bulkhead reinforcement to strengthen waterfront infrastructure
“These investments address long-standing infrastructure needs at Dock 22 and will significantly improve operational efficiency, safety, and reliability for our workforce and our customers,” said Dave Gutheil, Chief Operating Officer at the Port of Cleveland. “The continual process of modernizing our facilities is essential to supporting current and future cargo demands and will position the port for continued growth.”
These investments build on the Port’s recent momentum, including a $94 million Clean Ports grant and more than $105 million in infrastructure investments made by the Port of Cleveland over the past ten years. Planning and design are expected to continue through 2026, with construction anticipated to begin in early 2028 and conclude by mid-2030.
About the Port of Cleveland
The Port of Cleveland is a major economic engine for Northeast Ohio, generating more than $7 billion in annual economic activity and supporting over 23,000 jobs. The Port handles approximately 12 million tons of cargo annually and plays a central role in advancing infrastructure investment, shoreline resilience, and development financing throughout the region.
For more information, visit www.portofcleveland.com.