Port of Cleveland Secures $4.2 Million in State Grants for Dock and Shoreline Projects

Funding will support infrastructure upgrades and the CHEERS initiative to improve Cleveland's East Side waterfront.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 3:55pm

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The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority has secured $4.2 million in state funding from the Ohio Department of Transportation's Maritime Assistance Program. The grants will be used for two key projects: $2.7 million to rehabilitate Dock 22 at the port's General Cargo Terminal and $1.5 million for the initial phase of the CHEERS shoreline improvement initiative on Cleveland's East Side.

Why it matters

These investments will strengthen the Port of Cleveland's ability to move cargo efficiently, support regional economic growth, and extend the life of critical maritime infrastructure. The CHEERS project will also create new public access and recreational opportunities along the Cleveland waterfront.

The details

The Dock 22 project will include building a vehicle-maintenance and hiring-hall annex, concrete repaving, upgrades to stormwater and electrical systems, and bulkhead reinforcement. The CHEERS funding will advance permitting, final engineering, property acquisition, and construction of an early phase of the broader initiative, which seeks to improve the shoreline and add public access.

  • The grants require a 50 percent local match and planning and design are expected to continue through 2026.
  • Construction on the projects is anticipated to begin in early 2028 and conclude by mid-2030.

The players

Port of Cleveland

The Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority, which oversees maritime operations and infrastructure at the Port of Cleveland.

Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT)

The state agency that awarded the $4.2 million in Maritime Assistance Program grants to the Port of Cleveland.

Jeff Epstein

President and CEO of the Port of Cleveland.

Dave Gutheil

Chief Operating Officer at the Port of Cleveland.

Linda Sternheimer

Senior Vice President of Urban Planning and Engagement at the Port of Cleveland.

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What they’re saying

“These investments strengthen the Port's ability to move cargo efficiently, support regional economic growth, and extend the life of critical maritime infrastructure.”

— Jeff Epstein, President and CEO of the Port of Cleveland (cleveland.com)

“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.”

— Dave Gutheil, Chief Operating Officer at the Port of Cleveland (cleveland.com)

“This funding allows us to move CHEERS from planning into implementation. 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.”

— Linda Sternheimer, Senior Vice President of Urban Planning and Engagement at the Port of Cleveland (cleveland.com)

What’s next

Planning and design for the projects are expected to continue through 2026, with construction anticipated to begin in early 2028 and conclude by mid-2030.

The takeaway

The Port of Cleveland's successful bid for $4.2 million in state grants demonstrates the port's commitment to upgrading its maritime infrastructure and improving the Cleveland waterfront through initiatives like CHEERS. These investments will enhance the port's cargo operations, support regional economic growth, and provide new public access and recreational opportunities along the shoreline.