Ohio Maritime Assistance Program

Notice to Ohio Public Port Authorities

 

Origin:

 

• The Maritime Assistance Program (MAP) was created by HB 166 of the 133rd General Assembly
• MAP information can be found in ORC 5501.91

 

Fiscal:

 

• Grants require a 50% match (e.g. for every grant dollar awarded it must be matched by a dollar from the applicant)
• Total grant funding available is $11 Million for FY 22, $12 Million for FY 23. Total Program Funding $23 Million.

 

Eligibility Criteria:

 

• This program is only available to a public port authority created under Chapter 4582 of the Ohio Revised Code. http://codes.ohio.gov/orc/4582 and meet the following criteria:

1. The port authority owns an active marine cargo terminal located on the shore of Lake Erie or the Ohio river or on a Lake Erie tributary.
2. The port authority is located in a federally qualified opportunity zone and the federally qualified opportunity zone has an active marine cargo terminal with a stevedoring operation that is located on the shore of Lake Erie or the Ohio river.

 

Applications:

 

• Applicants must have a written business justification for the investment that indicates the operational and market need for the project.
• Evaluation Criteria:
  1. The degree to which the proposed project will increase the efficiency or capacity of maritime cargo terminal operations.
  2. Whether the project will result in the handling of new types of cargo or an increase in cargo volume.
  3. Whether the project will meet an identified supply chain need or benefit Ohio firms that export goods to foreign markets, or import goods to Ohio for use in manufacturing or for value-added distribution.
  4. The readiness of the project to request bids within 180 days of grant award
  5. The amount of proposed local match over and above 50%

 

• If the application does not meet items b) and c), it is not eligible for a grant award

 

Eligible uses for the grant funds:

1. Land acquisition and site development for marine cargo terminal and associated uses, including demolition and environmental remediation;
2. Construction of wharves, quay walls, bulkheads, jetties, revetments, breakwaters, shipping channels, dredge disposal facilities, projects for the beneficial use of dredge material, and other structures and improvements directly related to maritime commerce and harbor infrastructure;
3. Construction and repair of warehouses, transit sheds, railroad tracks, roadways, gates and gatehouses, fencing, bridges, offices, shipyards, and other improvements needed for marine cargo terminal and associated uses, including shipyards;
4. Acquisition of cargo handling equipment, including mobile shore cranes, stationary cranes, tow motors, fork lifts, yard tractors, craneways, conveyor and bulk material handling equipment, and all types of ship loading and unloading equipment;
5. Planning and design services and other services associated with construction.