1. Why is the Port considering relocating?

The Port Authority's current 88-acre site just west of Browns Stadium has been identified as a prime development area by the City of Cleveland as highlighted in its Lakefront Development Plan. The current site can be utilized for many purposes, with the goal of providing more mixed-use development and economic growth opportunities.

In addition, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is in urgent need of an area to dispose of dredgings from the Cuyahoga River and the federal shipping channel. By law, this area must be kept at a federal channel project depth to enable access for ships. A new port would be built on land created from these dredgings, providing a win-win opportunity for both the Corps and the community.

2. What is the process by which a final decision will be made on the potential E. 55th Street site and when will this be completed?

The City of Cleveland will consider the Port's plan at its Planning Commission meeting scheduled for March 7, 2008. A decision will be finalized regarding the site for the new port within the next several months.

3. How do ports support job creation?

Ports have evolved from being a simple physical land/sea interface into commerce and industrial centers, and then into logistics and distribution platforms. Today, ports are becoming intermodal nodes in international supply chains and are key drivers of competitiveness. It is precisely this ability to drive competitiveness that results in more jobs in the manufacturing sector. Businesses that can ship and receive more efficiently reduce their operating costs, which in turn increase profitability. Opening up waterborne export capabilities for area manufacturers lowers their costs of doing business as well. Shipping by water is the least expensive mode of transportation. Profitable companies are the job creating engines of our economy.

4. What is an International Trade District?

The area around the new port location could be transformed into a vibrant international trade district. This land might be used for businesses such as clean industry and logistics that could benefit by being location near a port; as well as provide open spaces for people to enjoy the lakefront. Business growth leads to job creation.

5. Will the potential port location at E. 55th Street interfere with planes landing at Burke?

No. The preferred location will not interfere with flight patterns or air traffic.

6. How was the E. 55th Street location arrived at as the preferred site?

In close partnership with Cuyahoga County and the City of Cleveland, the Port Authority has been studying possible port relocation sites to help strengthen the regional economy. After studying eight sites, the list was narrowed to three that the Port, City and County felt were the most viable. Of the three, the Port Authority's board of directors chose a preferred site at its Dec. 21, 2007 meeting. E. 55th Street was chosen as the preferred site because of its superior interstate and rail access.

7. How is The Port Authority engaging the local community in the process?

The Port Authority has been proactive in establishing dialogue and strong partnerships with government, business and community stakeholders as it works through the relocation process. We have met with several community development organizations, including St. Clair-Superior Development Corporation, Glenville Development Corporation, Euclid-St. Clair Development Corporation and Famicos. We have met with the marinas located near the proposed site along with several businesses in the area. An ongoing dialogue is occurring with the City of Cleveland and council representatives. We have met with environmental groups including the Earth Day Coalition. In addition, we are seeking ways to engage young professionals and students in our dialogue. They will be the benefactors and stewards of the port in the years ahead.