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Port of Cleveland and Ireland’s Shannon Foynes Port sign agreement to expand transatlantic trade
Port of Cleveland and Ireland’s Shannon Foynes Port sign agreement to expand transatlantic tradeStrategic pact with Ireland’s second largest port aims to strengthen maritime commerce between Great Lakes region and Europe
CLEVELAND — June 23, 2025 — The Port of Cleveland has signed a strategic agreement with Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC), Ireland’s second-largest port operator, to strengthen trade ties and unlock new business and economic opportunities between the Great Lakes region and Europe.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) builds on the longstanding historical and economic connections between the U.S. and Ireland. It aims to grow transatlantic commerce, attract new investment, and offer companies on both sides of the ocean a faster, greener, and more efficient alternative to traditional coastal shipping routes.
The memorandum of understanding (MOU) is built on the strong historical ties between the Great Lakes Region and the West of Ireland. As evidenced by earlier shipping as part of the Cleveland-Europe Express, the Port of Cleveland is strategically located to provide direct access to the St. Lawrence Seaway and the Great Lakes, a $6 trillion regional economy.
“What makes this partnership especially powerful is the unique positioning of our two ports,” said David Gutheil, Interim President and CEO of the Port of Cleveland. “Together we provide access to two huge international markets that present enormous opportunity for business development. In signing this MOU, we want to explore every opportunity to strengthen that connection and drive business development on both sides of the Atlantic. We’re genuinely really excited about what’s ahead and confident in the mutually benefits this collaboration can deliver.”
Shannon Foynes is located on the Shannon Estuary, one of Europe’s deepest natural harbors and adjacent to the world’s busiest shipping lanes. The port is strategically positioned as a key cost effective and efficient European gateway for transatlantic trade.
Both ports offer cost-effective, multimodal access to major commercial and industrial markets, providing a unique value proposition to companies seeking faster, greener and more reliable alternatives to traditional coastal shipping routes. The move is very much in keeping with U.S.-Irish trade relations as it seeks to support and promote international trade between the two.
Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne said: “The partnership between the Port of Cleveland and Ireland’s Shannon Foynes Port is an exciting development for Cuyahoga County.
“The agreement will open new opportunities to grow our economy, attract investment, and enhance our global trade connections,” he continued. “By strengthening our international relationships, we’re helping local businesses reach new markets and bringing long-term economic benefits to our communities.”
Patrick Keating, Shannon Foynes’ Port CEO added; “This MOU reflects the ambition of Shannon Foynes Port. “While we provide critical access for trade to and from Ireland, we are also a key gateway into and out of Europe for transatlantic trade. That is what essentially underpins this agreement with the Port of Cleveland as we will together seek to advance the enormous, each-way trade opportunity from this global trade crossroad. We look forward to working with the Port of Cleveland, which has similar ambition and values to us, to explore the full breadth of these opportunities for the greater good of our respective organizations and communities we serve.”
About the Port of Cleveland
The Port Authority was established in 1968 with a mission which includes collaborating with government and private partners to assist private industry in retaining and creating jobs through the provision of access to waterborne transportation facilities. The Port Authority in 2014 initiated the Cleveland-Europe Express, which was and is a transformative service that reintroduced container service in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence Seaway. The Port is instrumental in promoting waterborne trade in northeast Ohio, and whose harbor moves over 13 million metric tons of global cargo annually. The Port’s local benefits include supporting over 23,000 jobs and provides an economic benefit of more than $7.0 billion.
About SFPC
Shannon Foynes Port Company (SFPC) (www.sfpc.ie) is the second largest Irish Port Operator handling in excess of eleven million tonnes of solid and liquid cargo annually through the six terminals currently operational within the Shannon Estuary. The Company is Ireland’s largest bulk port company, having a 61% share of the market. The recently launched Irish National Ports Policy defines Shannon Foynes Port Company as a Port of National Significance (Tier 1). Shannon Foynes Port Company is a Commercial Semi State Port. It has statutory jurisdiction over all marine activities on a 500km2 area on the Shannon Estuary, stretching from Kerry/Loop Heads to Limerick City.
Port of Cleveland to unveil new gate at Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve
Port of Cleveland to unveil new gate at Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve
CLEVELAND – June 19, 2025 – The Port of Cleveland is proud to announce the unveiling of a brand-new, artist-designed gate at the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve (CLNP). The public is invited to join the Port and community partners for a dedication event at 11 a.m. on Monday, June 23, 2025 at the preserve, located at 8701 Lakeshore Blvd., Cleveland.
The event will take place rain or shine. The celebration will feature remarks from David Gutheil, Interim President & CEO and Chief Commercial Officer of the Port of Cleveland; Linda Sternheimer, Senior Vice President of Urban Planning and Engagement; and Steve Manka, the Cleveland-based artist behind the gate’s custom design. The new gate, designed by Manka, reflects the natural beauty, ecological diversity, and welcoming spirit of the preserve — serving as both a functional landmark and an artistic tribute to this cherished community greenspace.
In addition to the unveiling, the Port will honor Will Friedman, former President and CEO, with a special dedication recognizing his more than a decade of visionary leadership and lasting contributions to the Port and Northeast Ohio.
“We’re proud to celebrate this new addition to the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve,” said David Gutheil, Interim President & CEO. “This space represents our ongoing commitment to protecting the lakefront, supporting urban greenspaces, and providing the public with access to Lake Erie’s natural beauty.” Join us as we celebrate a new chapter for this beloved public space and honor those who have helped shape its legacy.
About the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve: Managed by the Port of Cleveland, the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve is an 88-acre natural public space along the Lake Erie shoreline. Originally created as a confined disposal facility, the area has been carefully transformed into a thriving urban nature preserve t features three trails totaling 2.5 miles, offering visitors opportunities to hike, birdwatch, and enjoy scenic views of Lake Erie and the Cleveland skyline. The preserve supports a diverse mix of habitats , including grasslands, meadows, forests, mudflats, shrublands, and wetlands, providing critical space for migratory birds and native wildlife.
Linda Sternheimer and Steve Manka will be available for media interviews following the event.
Event Details:
What: Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve Gate Unveiling & Dedication
When: Monday, June 23, 2025 | 11:00 a.m.
Where: Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve, 8701 Lakeshore Blvd., Cleveland
Contact: Kierra Cotton, Manager of Marketing & Communications, kierra.cotton@portofcleveland.com
Port of Cleveland Approves $92 Million in Financing for Housing and Hotel Projects Fueling Regional Growth
Port of Cleveland Approves $92 Million in Financing for Housing and Hotel Projects Fueling Regional Growth
CLEVELAND – June 12, 2025 – The Port of Cleveland’s Board of Directors today approved $92 million in financing to support three major development projects: two mixed-use housing developments in Cleveland totaling 355 residential units, and a new 136-room AC Marriott hotel at the former VA hospital site in Brecksville.
Together, the projects reflect the Port’s continued role as a catalyst for community revitalization and regional economic growth. Projects approved are:
· $35 million in tax-exempt revenue bonds inducement request for the Watterson Lake Apartments, for a new mixed-use affordable housing development by Bridging the Gap Development (BTG) at West 74th Street and Detroit Avenue. The project will include 136 units ranging from studios to four-bedroom apartments, all affordable to households earning 80% or less of the area median income. Thirty units will be under CMHA project-based voucher contracts. The building will feature 9,100 square feet of retail, a playground, and community meeting space. BTG, led by emerging developer Derrick Tillman, was selected by Enterprise Community Partners as part of its Equitable Path Forward initiative. The non-binding action is needed to acquire Low Income Housing Tax Credits. Full consideration and approval will be made at a later date.
· $32 million in taxable lease revenue bonds for construction of a six-story AC Marriott Hotel at Valor Acres in Brecksville—the ambitious redevelopment of the former Veterans Administration hospital site. The $42.9 million hotel will include 136 rooms and a rooftop bar, adding a key hospitality component to the 185-acre mixed-use campus, which includes offices, housing, retail, entertainment, and parking. Construction is expected to begin in July, with completion in early 2027. The hotel is planned by DiGeronimo Development LLC and Crawford Hoying LLC.
· Up to $25 million in taxable lease revenue bonds for the redevelopment of a former county garage site into Bridgeworks, a $82.5 million mixed-use project at the west end of the Detroit-Superior Bridge in Ohio City. Led by Michael Panzica and Graham Veysey, the project includes 219 apartments, a 199-space garage, and 1,200 square feet of retail. Construction is expected to begin soon, with completion projected in the second quarter of 2027.
“These investments reflect the Port’s commitment to using creative financing tools to advance transformative projects,” said Carl Naso, Port CFO. “Whether it’s affordable housing in our neighborhoods or hotel development on a former hospital site, we’re helping move catalytic projects forward while protecting public dollars and delivering long-term value to the region.”
Fueling Growth Across Cuyahoga County
Since 1993, the Port of Cleveland has provided over $5.4 billion in financing for close to 200 projects across Cuyahoga County and beyond, playing a pivotal role in the region’s economic transformation. The Port’s financing initiatives have consistently catalyzed growth, revitalized communities, and strengthened Northeast Ohio’s economic foundation. As demand for these services continues to rise, the Port remains a driving force behind strategic development that shapes the region’s future.
Port of Cleveland Approves $8 Million in Project Management Contracts for Bulk Terminal Modernization and Emissions-Cutting Electrification Work
Port of Cleveland Approves $8 Million in Project Management Contracts for Bulk Terminal Modernization and Emissions-Cutting Electrification WorkInvestments support critical infrastructure upgrades and advance Port’s goal to become first Great Lakes port with net-zero emissions by 2050
Cleveland – June 12, 2025— The Port of Cleveland Board of Directors has approved nearly $8 million in project management contracts to support two major initiatives: modernizing the iron ore conveyance system at the Cleveland Bulk Terminal and overseeing critical infrastructure rehabilitation and electrification efforts at the Port’s general cargo dock.
A $5.2 million contract with The Ruhlin Company will provide construction management for the aging iron ore conveyor system at the Bulk Terminal. This system plays a vital role in the regional steel supply chain, moving ore from lake freighters and loading it onto smaller vessels for delivery up the Cuyahoga River to the steel mill.
The Port acquired the iron ore terminal in 1997 and since then has invested significantly in modernizing the site’s infrastructure. In 2021, the Port extended the tunnel and conveyor system to allow for taconite blending and increased throughput. However, the original segment of the system is now nearing the end of its useful life and is in need of major rehabilitation —a project expected to take at least two years, according to Dave Gutheil, interim CEO and chief commercial officer.
Modernizing Key Infrastructure and Advancing Port Electrification
The board also approved a $2.7 million agreement with Jacobs Engineering to manage a multi-phase infrastructure and electrification project that will significantly reduce emissions and improve operational efficiency. This work will help reduce carbon emissions of port operations by 40 percent and makes considerable progress towards the Port’s Climate Action Plan.
This initiative includes the rehabilitation of Warehouse A, the Port’s largest warehouse built in 1975, as well as major electrical infrastructure enhancements to support clean energy operations. The effort includes installation of rooftop solar panels, battery energy storage, microgrid technology in partnership with Cleveland Public Power, and electric equipment across port facilities. Key upgrades include:
· Ten electric forklifts and charging stations (replacing six diesel units)
· A new electric mobile harbor crane
· Two electric tugboats and associated charging infrastructure procured and installed by Great Lakes Company
· Shore power installation at Dock 24
· Rooftop solar and microgrid systems at Warehouse A
Jacobs Engineering will provide day-to-day oversight of these improvements, which are expected to be completed by December 2028.
A Climate-Driven Investment in Cleveland’s Maritime Future
The Port’s modernization efforts are supported by two major public grants: $27.2 million from the U.S. Department of Transportation’s Maritime Administration and $4.9 million from the Ohio Department of Transportation’s Maritime Assistance Program. Together, these investments are transforming the Port of Cleveland into a national model for sustainable shipping.
These infrastructure and electrification upgrades are projected to cut the Port’s carbon emissions by 40 percent—a major step toward achieving the goals outlined in the Port’s Climate Action Plan, which calls for net-zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. Once completed, the Port of Cleveland will be the first Great Lakes port to implement such an ambitious and comprehensive decarbonization strategy, reinforcing its leadership in climate-forward maritime innovation.
In other business, the Port of Cleveland welcomed Catherine Tompkins, Senior Counsel at KeyBank, as the newest member of its Board of Directors, appointed by County Executive Chris Ronayne and replacing Andrew Jackson. Tompkins brings extensive financial expertise and deep knowledge of credit risk management to the board. Her appointment begins Thursday, and she is expected to play an important role in guiding the Port’s ongoing infrastructure investments and long-term strategic planning.
New Documentary Spotlights the Port of Cleveland on the Unsung Heroes Powering America’s Industrial Backbone
New Documentary Spotlights the Port of Cleveland on the Unsung Heroes Powering America’s Industrial Backbone
CLEVELAND — The Port of Cleveland debuted a powerful new documentary shining a spotlight on Cleveland and the working-class heroes behind the steel that drives America. “Made in America: How the Port of Cleveland Supports the Region’s Economy” is a cinematic tribute to the people, processes and places that form the backbone of US industry.
Underscored by stunning visuals of the Great Lakes and bustling docks, the film tells the story of how raw materials flow through the Port of Cleveland and become high-strength steel that supports America’s cars, appliances, bridges and buildings.
“This one is for the masters of American craftsmanship,” opens the narrator, setting the tone for a story that honors the laborers whose hands forge the future of the nation — from miners and longshoremen to steelworkers and ship captains.
At the center of the story is the Port of Cleveland, a critical hub for transporting iron ore from the mines of the upper Great Lakes to Cleveland-Cliffs’ steel mill, where it is transformed into finished steel.
We are proud to be part of a process that is not only made in America, but made with American strength, innovation, and pride,” said David Gutheil, interim CEO of the Port. Through interviews with port officials, manufacturing leaders, and vessel line executives, the documentary sheds light on the essential — and often overlooked — supply chains that underpin U.S. manufacturing. With over 23,000 jobs tied to the Port of Cleveland and $7.07 billion in annual economic activity generated, the film makes clear the port’s local and national significance.
“Each steel coil is produced for a specific customer to ensure they get the right product at the right time in the right way,” said Chad Asgaard, General Manager, Cleveland-Cliffs, in the film.
The documentary also addresses the Port’s forward-looking environmental and technological initiatives — including new ore tunnel extensions and eco-conscious logistics — positioning it as a model of modernization and sustainability.
With stakes reaching beyond Northeast Ohio, the film touches on broader economic themes. According to a Department of Homeland Security report cited in the documentary, the closure of a single lock in Northern Michigan could plunge the nation into recession, highlighting just how vital Great Lakes shipping is to the national economy.
“This is more than a story of steel,” Gutheil said. “Made in America is a tribute to the strength, resilience, and the enduring legacy of American industry.”
CLICK HERE to watch!
Notice of Funding Opportunity: Community Investment Fund Grant Cycle Now Open!
Notice of Funding: Community Investment Fund Grant Cycle Now Open!
The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority is now accepting applications for the 2025 Community Investment Fund (CIF) Grant Cycle, with $270,000 in no-match grant funds available to support community, workforce, and maritime-focused initiatives across Cuyahoga County.
This grant program helps nonprofit organizations access capital for projects that align with the Port’s mission—promoting job creation, economic development, and equitable access to maritime industry opportunities.
🔑 Key Information
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Total Funds Available: $270,000
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Grant Size: $25,000 minimum / $100,000 maximum per organization
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Eligible Applicants: Nonprofit organizations located in Cuyahoga County involved in:
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Maritime development or navigation safety
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Workforce development & job training
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Environmental sustainability
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International trade
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Community improvement and equity
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Ineligible Uses Include:
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Lobbying or political activities
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Entertainment or personal expenses
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Completed or non-aligned projects
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Legal disputes or unpaid taxes
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🗓 Important Dates
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Application Opens: May 1, 2025
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Deadline to Apply: June 15, 2025
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Award Notifications: July 10, 2025
✅ Application Highlights
Applicants must:
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Clearly outline project scope and impact
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Demonstrate alignment with the Port’s mission and CIF goals
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Submit financials, staff/board list, and 3 professional references
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Show measurable outcomes (KPIs and reporting required)
📄 How to Apply
Click here to apply
For detailed guidelines and submission requirements, download the full Notice of Funding Opportunity by clicking the button at the top of the page.
📧 Questions? Contact: CommunityInvestment@portofcleveland.com
DISCLAIMER:
The Port Authority reserves the right to modify or cancel this funding opportunity at any time without prior notice. All decisions regarding grant awards are final and not subject to appeal. The foregoing Notice of Funding Opportunity does not constitute an offer or promise to do business with the Port Authority or any guarantee to do business or execute any binding agreement by and between the Port Authority and prospective applicants, applicants or the general public. All decisions, reviews and/or awards may be subject to the Port Authority’s Board of Directors’ approval and/or other applicable local and state law(s).
Port of Cleveland Welcomes First Ship of the Season
Port of Cleveland Welcomes First Ship of the Season
On Wednesday, April 2nd, the Port of Cleveland marked a significant milestone with the arrival of its first ship of the season. The Polsteam Pile, a newly built vessel (2024), docked at approximately 8:45 a.m., officially kicking off the busy season at the port.
Vice President of Operations and Facilities, Jared Magyar, along with Industrial Fleet & Operations Manager Rick Edberg, were on hand to welcome the vessel’s captain, Janusz Szatanik, and his crew to Cleveland. As part of the warm welcome, Captain Szatanik and the crew were presented with a Cleveland-themed gift box, complete with an assortment of cookies and other sweets to sweeten their arrival.
The Polsteam Pile is making its inaugural visit to Cleveland, marking its first-ever stop at the port and just its second trip to the United States. The vessel is unloading a remarkable 5,580 metric tons of steel, a valuable addition to the local economy. After its stop in Cleveland, the ship will continue its journey, heading to Burns Harbor and then to the Port of Milwaukee.
This marks an exciting start to the season for the Port of Cleveland, highlighting both its important role in global shipping and its ongoing commitment to fostering strong relationships with partners and visitors. The arrival of the Polsteam Pile is just the beginning of what is expected to be a busy and productive year ahead for the port.
Logistec USA to Resume Normal Operating Hours: Effective March 31, 2025
Logistec USA to Resume Normal Operating Hours: Effective March 31, 2025
As the flowers begin to bloom and spring settles in, Logistec USA at the Port of Cleveland is gearing up for the 2025 shipping season. We are excited to welcome back all our carriers, brokers, drayage teams, and partners. To ensure a smooth and efficient experience this season, we invite you to take a moment to review the important updates and guidelines below.
Resumption of Normal Business Hours
Starting Monday, March 31, 2025, Logistec USA will resume normal business operations and return to a 5-day work week. Our loading hours will be Monday through Friday, from 7:00 AM to 2:30 PM. We are eager to work with our partners to meet the demands of the season, and we encourage everyone to adjust their schedules accordingly.
Increased Port Entry Fee for Non-TWIC Visitors
Please be advised that the Port of Cleveland will see an increase in the fee for non-TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) visitors. Effective March 31, 2025, the entry fee will rise from $70 to $80, which must be paid via credit card or company check. Unfortunately, cash will no longer be accepted.
Safety Guidelines and Compliance
The safety of everyone at the Port of Cleveland is our top priority. All visitors are required to review and adhere to the attached safety pamphlet, which outlines the necessary guidelines for entry and operations. Please remember that compliance with safety practices, including wearing the mandatory personal protective equipment (PPE), is essential. Any individuals failing to follow the safety protocols will be excused from the port without their cargo, and the matter will be reviewed with the relevant cargo owners, brokers, and carrier or drayage dispatch.
Missed Loads Policy
Please take note that missed loads will not roll over to the next day and will incur a charge of $50 per load. This policy is effective immediately, and more details are provided in the attached “Letter to Carriers.”
Important Navigation Reminder
For ease of access, please use the following address for navigation to the Port of Cleveland:
500 W 3rd Street, Cleveland, OH.
It is crucial to avoid using 775 Erieside Ave, Cleveland, OH, or simply entering “Port of Cleveland” into GPS systems, as this will direct drivers to the wrong location.
Looking Ahead
We are excited for another busy and successful shipping season, and we can’t wait to see all the familiar faces returning to the port this year. Let’s work together to ensure a safe, efficient, and prosperous 2025 season for all involved.
We look forward to a productive season ahead—thank you for your continued cooperation and partnership!
Stay safe and see you at the port!
Cleveland’s Sediment Revolution: How the Port of Cleveland Turned a Disposal Problem into a National Model
Cleveland’s Sediment Revolution: How the Port of Cleveland Turned a Disposal Problem into a National Model
For years, dredging was seen as a necessary but costly burden, a way to keep Cleveland’s shipping channels open while figuring out what to do with endless piles of river sediment. But today, Cleveland has transformed a once-mundane maintenance task into an environmental and economic game-changer, with the rest of the nation watching.
No longer just about clearing the river for massive cargo ships, Cleveland is proving that dredged material isn’t waste; it’s a resource with untapped potential.
The Port of Cleveland has spent the last 15 years pioneering a groundbreaking approach that recycles sediment into valuable materials for land restoration, construction and brownfield redevelopment while protecting Ohio’s greatest natural resource, Lake Erie. This innovative model is attracting attention at the state and federal levels, with many calling it the future of sustainable sediment management.
From Disposal Headache to Economic Opportunity
Today, sediment is harvested by locally based Kurtz Bros., which has operated the Port’s Sediment Processing Facility since 2016. This public-private partnership has transformed sediment from a liability into an asset, processing material that was discarded and repurposing it into everything from engineered soil to construction aggregate.
“The Port has been leading the charge in finding beneficial applications on land,” said Jason Ziss, Director of Business Development with Kurtz Bros., a company that has significant expertise with beneficial reuse. “Right now, other ports in Ohio as well as the Army Corps of Engineers are all looking at the Port of Cleveland’s model as the future of sediment management. The ingenuity and pioneering spirit of the Port is providing a national impact.”
Why Sediment Management Matters
Dredging is critical to Northeast Ohio’s economy. The Cuyahoga River is a crucial commercial artery, supporting $7 billion in economic impact and 23,000 jobs.
Cleveland has more sediment than any Great Lakes port. Without regular dredging, the river would become unnavigable for the large ships that carry essential goods into the region. Even a one-inch loss in water depth can reduce a vessel’s cargo capacity by 270 tons, according to the Lake Carriers’ Association.
Across the nation, dredged materials many years ago were barged out and dumped in designated areas in bodies of water. Current regulations prohibit that.
A common misconception is that all dredged sediment is toxic. In reality, most of it comes from natural erosion—soil washed into the river from stream banks and parks. While excess sediment in water can contribute to harmful algal blooms, when properly managed, it becomes a valuable resource for land use. By repurposing these nutrients in upland soils, plants can absorb them naturally, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and supporting more sustainable land management practices.
Recognizing this, the Port, under the leadership of former CEO Will Friedman and Jim White, its former director of sustainable programs, began researching ways to reclaim sediment for beneficial reuse. The result was a first-of-its-kind sediment recycling center at Burke Lakefront Airport, where sediment is pumped from barges into a processing facility that uses the natural energy of water flow to separate and capture useful sediment materials.
“The Port and their partners created a facility for a sediment recycling center on the east side of Burke Lakefront Airport,” Ziss said. “The Port, Kurtz Bros., along with Hull and Associates created a sediment collection system that pumps sediment off barges into the facility, using the natural energy of flowing water to capture sorted sediment and allowing us to process it for reuse.”
Turning Sediment into Solutions
No longer an expensive burden, the Port and Kurtz Bros. now repurpose sediment into high-demand products, including:
· Construction materials (sand and aggregate for building projects)
· Engineered soils (blended with compost for land revitalization)
· Brownfield redevelopment (used as fill for industrial sites in the process of being reclaimed)
· Landfill cover (stabilizing closed landfills and preparing them for new uses)
A prime example of these efforts includes the reuse of sediment in several key redevelopment and infrastructure projects. This includes the transformation of brownfields, providing soil for the ODOT’s I-90 Innerbelt project and aggregate for use in embankments that support the bridge structures. Additionally, sediment has been utilized in the Towpath Trail Connector Project and for topsoil as part of ODOT’s Lakeland Boulevard project in Lake County. A large amount of the sediment is turned into a nutrient rich topsoil that is used in landscaping and horticulture applications throughout Cuyahoga County.
“We are proud to partner with a local company like Kurtz Bros. to bring real innovation to sediment management,” said Dave Gutheil, interim CEO and Chief Commercial Officer for the Port. “Kurtz Bros. has been a trusted environmental steward and an invaluable partner in finding creative ways to repurpose dredged material, turning a necessary process into an opportunity for economic growth and ecological improvement. Together, we’re demonstrating how public-private collaboration can drive forward-thinking solutions that benefit our waterways, our economy and our entire community.”
Gutheil also acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the Ohio EPA in supporting the Port’s work.
Headquartered in Independence, Kurtz has been redefining waste into resources since the 1940s. Today, the company employs over 200 people and has set ambitious goals: to further develop dredge material into useful products that can be used in positive productive applications throughout the region and state. Kurtz currently recycles at least 60% of all the sediment that is dredged from the Cuyahoga River each year and also operates other sediment recycling facilities in Ohio. Kurtz is the largest sediment beneficial reuse company in the entire Great Lakes region.
Ziss said the company could potentially expand Cleveland’s model. “Cleveland is proving that there’s a market for reclaimed sediment, and demand is only growing—especially in the construction and agricultural industries.”
Another promising next step could be using sediment to restore degraded farmland, improve soil health and address soil lead contamination—a major issue in Cleveland.
The Port of Cleveland’s approach to sediment recycling is proof that even the most overlooked challenges—like river dredging—can be transformed into innovative, job-creating and environmentally responsible solutions. Thanks to the Port of Cleveland and Kurtz Bros.., what was once considered waste
is now fueling economic growth, advancing sustainability and earning national recognition—solidifying Cleveland’s reputation as a leader in innovative, environmentally responsible solutions.
Port Board approves support for $49.5 million West Side Market renovation and $44 million Superior Arts District renovation
Port Board approves support for $49.5 million West Side Market renovation and $44 million Superior Arts District renovation
CLEVELAND – March 13, 2025 – Two transformative projects — a nearly $50 million West Side Market overhaul and a $44 million Superior Arts District mixed use project — received significant support today from the Port of Cleveland board of directors.
“These projects will redo two historical properties in our city and we are proud to be able to help make both projects happen,” said J. Stefan Holmes, Port board chair. “The West Side Market is a cherished institution that attracts visitors from around the world, some of them who arrive via cruise ships using our Port. And the textile building project will bring much needed housing and retail space to a growing, vibrant neighborhood.”
Revitalizing the West Side Market
The $49.5 million West Side Market transformation will breathe new life into the 112-year-old landmark. The market’s metamorphosis involves renovation of the Market Hall, adjacent arcades and the basement. The capital lease financing approved by the Port Board allows exemption of state sales and local taxes on construction materials.
Renovations will begin this summer, starting with the East Arcade, a largely vacant produce hall between the parking lot and the main market building. Early improvements will include:
- New HVAC systems and upgraded vendor stalls.
- Basement renovations featuring mechanical upgrades, walk-in coolers, a shared commercial kitchen and a new freight elevator.
Future phases will transform the North Arcade and Courtyard into vibrant destinations with new seating areas, restaurants, event spaces, food stalls, full-service bars and public dining options.
“We have one of the most stunning market structures in the country, and this initiative is focused not only on preserving this vital historic treasure, but also supporting small businesses and having greater community impact,” said Rosemary Mudry, executive director of the Cleveland Public Market Corporation, the non-profit that manages the West Side Market for the City of Cleveland, which owns the property. “We have received tremendous support from many partners and we are immensely grateful to the Port for their assistance in making this great regional asset even better.”
“The West Side Market is a cherished institution that attracts visitors from around the world, including some who arrive via cruise ships using our Port,” said Holmes. “We’re proud to support this vital renovation, which will ensure the Market continues to thrive for generations to come.”
A New Chapter for the Superior Arts District
The Port Board also approved issuing up to $25 million in lease revenue bonds to support TurnDev’s redevelopment of the historic Heller-Keller-Kohn textile buildings at 2202 and 2230 Superior Avenue, converting them from old textile buildings into a mixed-use development. The project will include:
- 100 market-rate apartments.
- 2,261 square feet of street-level retail space.
- 108 climate-controlled parking spaces
The two former industrial buildings housed garment manufacturing operations until the later part of the 20th century. The project is across the street from the CrossCounty Mortgage headquarters, which TurnDev led. TurnDev is renovating Superior Avenue’s historic ArtCraft building into Cleveland’s new police headquarters.
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Since 1993, the Port of Cleveland has provided over $5.4 billion in financing for close to 200 projects across Cuyahoga County and beyond, playing a pivotal role in the region’s economic transformation. The Port’s financing initiatives have consistently catalyzed growth, revitalized communities, and strengthened Northeast Ohio’s economic foundation. As demand for these services continues to rise, the Port remains a driving force behind strategic development that shapes the region’s future.
Holmes added: “The Port is proud to support investments that create jobs, attract residents, and strengthen our neighborhoods.”
Contact: Nancy Lesic, 216.392.9634