Local Officials Applaud Federal Funding Secured by Joyce for Ashtabula Projects: What They’re Saying

WASHINGTON, DC – On March 9, 2022, the U.S. House of Representatives passed H.R. 2471, legislation that included over $18 million in federal funding Congressman Dave Joyce (OH-14) secured for local projects across Northeast Ohio, including two in Ashtabula County. The funding provided for projects in Ashtabula County is comprised of:

• $2,764,000 for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to complete additional dredging of Conneaut Harbor in FY2022
• 460,000 to rebuild Ferry Drive, a critical access road in Ashtabula Harbor 

Here’s what elected officials and local leaders are saying in support of the funding included in H.R. 2471:

“This is a critical project not only for our community but regionally. The 3.5 million tons of steel that is manufactured from the products that travel through our port are essential to the American economy. In a time when supply chain issues are abundant, resolving this issue before it is a crisis is of the highest importance. I would like to thank Congressman Joyce who has been a tremendous leader for Lake Erie and the Great Lakes. Our Lake can be healthy and economically vibrant – this funding helps all achieve that goal.” – Jim Hockaday, Conneaut City Manager

“We are extremely appreciative of Congressman Joyce’s efforts to secure dredge funding for Conneaut Harbor. As you know the maintenance of the Port of Conneaut is extremely important to the economic viability of not only the City of Conneaut, but also for the entire region and the Great Lakes as a whole. Maintaining navigation channels for the trade of millions of dollars in shipping commerce as well as the vitality of our growing tourism industry is of utmost importance to all of the residents of Ashtabula County and the State of Ohio.” – Jon Arcaro, Conneaut City Council President

“I appreciate the efforts of Congressman Joyce who fought hard to get funding for two important projects in Ashtabula County. His initiative and drive have secured important federal funding for the dredging of Conneaut Harbor and the rebuilding of Ferry Drive in the Ashtabula Harbor. These projects will spur growth in Ashtabula County and greatly benefit our citizens.” –  Kathryn Whittington, Ashtabula County Commissioner

“I’m very appreciative of the work of Congressman Joyce who helped secure funding for two critical projects in both the Conneaut Harbor and Ashtabula Harbor. These federal allocations for Ashtabula County total more than $3 million and will go a long way in enhancing all of our county and region. Lake Erie is a tremendous asset that we have here in our backyard and these funds build off of that enabling them to move forward and will make a significant positive impact as it relates to development along our lakeshore.” – Casey Kozlowski, Ashtabula County Commissioner

“This project would not have been possible without this funding source and we are grateful this opportunity. I want to thank Congressman Joyce, his staff and especially Eddy Eckhart who spearheaded this application for us. Harbor Yak has diversified their operations allowing them to be open all year and we have other opportunities for the former Coast Guard Station. This will enhance those opportunities for our existing businesses as well as future operations.” – Jim Timonere, Ashtabula City Manager