Federal Grant Award Summary

The Put-In-Bay Township Port Authority received a $11.52 million Project Grant from the U.S. Department of Transportation's Maritime Administration under the Port Infrastructure Development Program (CFDA 20.823) on April 23, 2026, with an expected completion date of October 31, 2028. The award funds the design, permitting, and construction of maritime infrastructure improvements at Put-In-Bay, Ohio, specifically a 406-foot stone breakwall and a 200-foot ferry berth facility. Miller Boat Line serves as a subrecipient supporting all project components, which include detailed engineering and design services, preparation and submission of required construction permits, construction administration oversight, and the actual construction of the protective breakwall and standby ferry berth equipped with a ramp and tie-point system.

The standby ferry berth will provide operational redundancy by serving as an alternative landing facility to load and unload passengers, vehicles, and cargo when the primary ferry dock is unavailable due to maintenance or adverse weather conditions. Project performance will be measured quarterly through vessel call data and cargo volume metrics, disaggregated by vessel type, freight category, and intermodal transportation modes where applicable. This infrastructure investment aligns with the Port Infrastructure Development Program's objective to enhance the safety, efficiency, and reliability of goods movement through Great Lakes port facilities.