Port authority powers regional projects

SANDUSKY — The Erie County Port Authority recently released its 2025 year-end report, highlighting a year of private investment, job creation and regional collaboration across north-central Ohio. The port authority completed nine approved projects in 2025, facilitating $230 million in total capital investment and supporting the creation of 500 new jobs while retaining 1,650 existing positions. The Erie County Port Authority was created in 2011 by the Erie County commissioners to catalyze local economic development. Established to stimulate economic growth within Erie County, the port authority provides financing tools that help attract and retain private investment while supporting long-term job creation. Administered by Greater Sandusky Partnership, the port authority facilitates development projects through mechanisms, such as its capital lease program, helping reduce project costs and improve feasibility for employers investing in the region. Since its establishment, the port authority has supported projects that continue to deliver new businesses, expanded operations and sustained employment opportunities across north-central Ohio. "The port authority exists to ensure that businesses and communities have access to tools that reduce costs and support responsible growth," said James Miller, chairman of the port authority's board of directors. "The results in this year's report reflect the importance of having flexible financing mechanisms available to support private investment. These projects represent long-term confidence in our workforce and in the future of this region." Among the year's major projects: • Autokiniton/Tower Automotive expanded operations in Sandusky County through the construction of a 215,000-square-foot manufacturing facility, representing a $32 million investment, generating $870,000 in company savings, creating 97 new jobs and retaining 440 positions. • Toft Dairy completed a $7 million expansion in Erie County, modernizing its distribution operations with more than 20,000 square feet of additional freezer space. The project generated $111,000 in savings, created new jobs and retained 76 positions. "The port authority provides a sustainable and fiscally responsible approach to facilitating private investment in our region," said Caleb Stidham, Erie County treasurer. He also serves as treasurer of the port authority board. "These tools allow projects to move forward in a structured and accountable way while supporting long-term economic stability." The Erie County Port Authority projects span manufacturing; food and agri-business; logistics; hospitality; and industrial development across seven counties. Through cooperative agreements, the port authority assists eligible projects beyond Erie County while ensuring that shared fees are reinvested in partner communities. The port authority collaborates with economic development partners across the region to support eligible projects. In 2025, the Erie County Port Authority partnered with the Huron County Growth Partnership, the Ottawa County Improvement Corp., the Sandusky County Economic Development Corp., the Seneca County Collaborative and the Wyandot County Office of Economic Development. More than $400,000 in shared fees were reinvested into neighboring communities through several of these partnerships. Looking ahead, projects already in the 2026 pipeline are expected to generate an additional $42 million in capital investment, produce approximately $800,000 in company savings, create 38 new jobs and support the development of 144 new housing units. "Economic development tools must evolve alongside market demand," said Matt Lasko, chief development officer at the Greater Sandusky Partnership. "In 2026, we are advancing projects that include a multi-family residential development in Huron Township through the Huron Joint Port Authority and a capital lease program through the Erie County Port Authority to support the brownfield phase of Battery Park." The full 2025 Year-End Report is available at greatersandusky.com/erie-county-port-authority-2025-report.