Cleveland has been awarded $69.3 million by the U.S. Department of Transportation to support its North Coast Connector project, a key part of Mayor Justin Bibb’s effort to connect the downtown Cleveland area to the Lake Erie shoreline.
Cleveland officials announced Friday, Jan 10 that with this new grant from the federal Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program, the city has now got over $150 million in combined state and federal funding for the project.
The grant’s significance was highlighted by Mayor Bibb: “We’ll use these funds to create new waterfront access, upgrade aging infrastructure, and build stronger connections linking our residents with the lakefront and Port of Cleveland. This moves us closer to our goal of a more unified and accessible Cleveland.”
Transforming Cleveland’s Lakefront
The North Coast Connector is expected to break ground in 2027 with a $284 million price tag. It is a key component of Mayor Bibb’s ‘Shore-to-Core-to-Shore’ initiative which is aimed at enhancing mobility and safety and bringing private investment along the lakefront. Some of the features of the project include the construction of a land bridge from downtown Cleveland to North Coast Harbor and the conversion of a segment of the Shoreway (State Route 2) from East Ninth Street Master to Plan West that Third is Street guiding into Cleveland’s a modernization of pedestrianized its boulevard. infrastructure, This building is of pedestrian- all and spaces, part bike-friendly and of revival the of North the Coast city’s waterfront connection.
Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne has his enthusiasm about how this funding will change the lives of Cleveland residents. When I think about what walking this to means for the our lake community, on I summer see evenings, families local easily businesses thriving along the waterfront, and children growing up with Lake Erie as part of their daily lives,” he said. This isn’t just about building infrastructure – it’s about bringing our community closer to Lake Erie, our region’s greatest natural treasure, and creating a vibrant lakefront that our children and grandchildren will enjoy for generations to come.
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Financial Framework and Broader Vision
Cleveland City Council approved legislation in March 2024 to create the Shore-to-Core-to-Shore TIF district. The TIF will generate between $3.5 billion and $7.5 billion over 40 years to fund public infrastructure projects, including the North Coast Connector.
“Collaboration between city leadership, federal partners and the community is something I applaud to see as they help bring this transformative vision to life to enhance our lakefront for generations to come for all Clevelanders,” City Council President Blaine Griffin said.
It also enjoys support from both sides of the political divide at the federal level. Former U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown and Congresswoman Shontel Brown of Cleveland, Mayor Bibb said, were instrumental in getting the latest grant.
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Building Momentum
The $69.3 million grant adds to a $59.7 million award Cleveland received in October through the Infrastructure for Rebuilding America Grant Program. That funding continues the transformation of sections of State Route 2 into a 35-mile-per-hour pedestrian-friendly boulevard, and it continues to advance Cleveland’s waterfront connectivity.
The North Coast Connector project is another term for the revitalization of Cleveland’s lakefront and the creation of a lively environment for residents and visitors. The project is expected to start construction in 2027.
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North Coast Connector Project Factsheet
Cleveland, Ohio – January 2025
Project Overview
Total Project Cost: $284 million
Project Start: 2027
Location: Downtown Cleveland to Lake Erie shoreline
Lead Agency: City of Cleveland
Project Type: Urban Infrastructure & Waterfront Development
Funding Sources
New Federal Grant: $69.3 million (U.S. Department of Transportation – Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program)
Previous Federal Grant: $59.7 million (Infrastructure for Rebuilding America Grant Program)
Total Secured Funding: Over $150 million in state and federal grants
Additional Financing: Shore-to-Core-to-Shore TIF district (projected to generate $3.5-7.5 billion over 40 years)
Key Project Components
Land Bridge Construction
Connects downtown Cleveland to North Coast Harbor
Enhances pedestrian accessibility to waterfront
Shoreway Transformation
Conversion of State Route 2 between East Ninth Street and West Third Street
Creation of pedestrian-friendly boulevard with 35 mph speed limit
Focus on improved safety and accessibility
Project Status
Funding secured: Over $150 million
TIF district established: March 2024
Construction start date: 2027
Currently in pre-construction phase
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