The Bond Tools
Strategic Debt & Infrastructure Financing
Access specialized capital markets and infrastructure funding by leveraging the Port’s A-rated credit and statutory financing authority.
How It Works
We provide essential funding for high-impact projects, focusing on either the vertical construction or the “bones” (e.g. roads, utilities, and public realm).
Requirements & Capacity
This program is reserved for credit-worthy projects with strong collateral, a senior security position, and a guaranteed source of repayment.
Direct Capacity
The Port can provide up to $10 million per project through our internal funds.
Syndication
For larger needs, we can syndicate additional funding across a network of partner Ohio ports.
Specialized Uses (TIF & PACE)
We can provide upfront cash for public improvements or energy upgrades that you pay back over time through a dedicated stream of tax payments.
TIF (Tax Increment Financing)
Uses the future increase in property tax value created by your project to help pay for the infrastructure that makes the project possible.
Used For
- Bond Fund: Credit-strong projects requiring up to $10M in direct Port participation for construction or major renovations.
- Conduit Financing: Large-scale, complex institutional developments (hospitals, museums, universities) that require custom, standalone access to the capital markets.
- Energy Upgrades: High-efficiency HVAC, solar, or building envelope improvements via PACE.
Not Used For
- Conventional Commercial Lending: Standard projects that are easily serviced by traditional retail bank debt without a “gap” or infrastructure need.
- Unsecured or High-Risk Ventures: Projects lacking a senior collateral position or a guaranteed, primary source of repayment.
- Direct Small Business / Personal Use: Individual mortgage loans, small business working capital, or personal home improvements.
- Substantial Senior Debt: Standalone senior loans exceeding $10M without port-to-port syndication.
