The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Port allotted $2.5M for dredging channel
Federal money divided among Lake Erie port cities
Federal funding of $2.5 million will help keep the Port of Lorain’s shipping channel deep enough for freighters.
Rep. Marcy Kaptur, D-Toledo, announced the new money became available for port maintenance through the Consolidated Appropriations Act passed by Congress in March.
“On behalf of the Lorain Port Authority and its board of directors I would like to express my deep appreciation of everyone’s efforts to ensure that our navigation channel will receive dredge funding in this cycle,” said Tom Brown, the Port Authority’s executive director.
“This funding will allow for shipping to continue in Lorain,” Brown said. “Great Lakes shipping is vital to the economy of this entire region and our shipping partners stand ready to continue to provide one of the most cost effective and green modes of moving a variety of cargos.
“This announcement should also greatly assist Republic Steel as they evaluate the cost effectiveness of restarting or establishing new
processes in the steel industry in Lorain,” Brown said.
The federal appropriation includes money for Lorain, Huron, Cleveland, Toledo and Ashtabula.
Cleveland Harbor will receive $7.8 million for dredging and repairs to the harbor’s damaged breakwater.
Huron Harbor will receive $1.25 million and Ashtabula Harbor $1.35 million for dredging. Toledo Harbor will receive an additional $20,000 for sediment analysis.
“Keeping our navigational
channels open for business is critical to jobs in Northern Ohio and to the thousands of Ohioans who rely on Great Lakes shipping every day,” Kaptur said. “Each of the ports designated for funding increases demonstrated a critical navigational, environmental, or infrastructure need. These additional federal investments will help our local communities to meet the demand for easily accessible port facilities with safe, navigable access.”