WELCOME TO THE REGIONAL PORT AUTHORITY OF NORTHWEST OHIO

The Regional Port Authority of Northwest Ohio was created in June of 2008 by actions of the Boards of Commissioners of Defiance, Fulton, Henry and Paulding Counties.  However, once created, the Port Authority is a separate, independent unit of local government and not part of the state, county, or city governments.

Under Ohio law, the Port Authority can participate in activities that “enhance, foster, aid, provide, or promote transportation, economic development, housing, recreation, education, governmental operations, culture, or research.”  The Port Authority can finance, own, or lease land, buildings, and equipment.

The Port Authority can issue tax-exempt or taxable revenue bonds for any eligible project.
The focus of the Port Authority is on projects within the four counties which created the Port Authority.  Under Ohio Law, an Ohio Port Authority can consider projects anywhere in the State if the Port Authority enters into a cooperative agreement with another unit of government where the proposed project is located.

Involving the Port Authority could be a “tie-breaker” for any project of $1.5 million or higher.