Governor Breaks Ground on Lorain Port Project to Create New
Jobs, Spur Economic Development

Lorain (Friday, June 25, 2010) - Ohio Governor Ted Strickland joined other federal, state and local officials to kickoff the $3.3 million American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) Lorain Port Authority at Spitzer Marina project.  The project is expected to create 36 construction jobs and help spur economic development and revitalize the lakefront area in the City of Lorain.
 
“Today we break ground on a project that will help bring people to the waterfront of Lorain, and the waterfront of Lorain to the people,” Strickland said.  “Powered by an unprecedented federal investment in job-creating, economy-strengthening, life-enhancing projects, we are now able to improve this marina area to power economic development for decades to come.”
 
The $3.3 million investment will enable the Lorain Port Authority to move forward with in the mixed use development, including dockage facilities, residential areas, specialty shops, restaurants, a nature center, and hiking and biking trails.  A fishing and observation platform on the southern side of the site will also be constructed.
 
Governor Strickland announced the project in March 2009 as part of a $34.5 million investment of ARRA resources into five maritime projects throughout Ohio.
 
The project is part of a plan to diversify the City of Lorain’s economy and further develop the Lorain port area into a waterfront destination community. The project will continue the redevelopment of the entranceway into the dredge site; rehabilitate the east pier for enhanced public accessibility; and further extend public parking on the site.