The Clermont County Port Authority (the Port) is a body corporate and politic established by the Board of County Commissioners as a tool to facilitate economic development in the community. The Port was established by the County Commissioners through Resolution 124-12 on July 16, 2012. The Port has a five-member board of directors with four-year staggered terms, and directors are appointed by the County Commissioners.
Currently there is no paid staff or dedicated physical office for the Port. Projects are managed by the staff of the Clermont County Department of Community & Economic Development. The Port received an initial $20,000 contribution from the County Commissioners to fund the operations as the organization was established, and it is anticipated that the Port will be self-sufficient on an ongoing basis through project fees.
Port Authority Facade Improvement Program - Applications Open Now!
The Clermont County Port Authority (“Port Authority”) Facade Improvement Program Pilot (the “Program”) aims to support the revitalization of commercial properties throughout Clermont County in qualifying communities. The Program is designed to stimulate private investment in high-quality building improvements that create and enhance community image and character in Clermont County.
The Program is funded through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) program and all funded activities must meet applicable CDBG eligibility and national objective requirements as determined by Clermont County Community Development.
The purpose of the program is to:
- Enhance the visual appearance of commercial corridors in designated LMI areas.
- Stimulate private investment
- Support local businesses and property owners
- Contribute to economic development and community vitality
See the links below for Program Guidelines and the Application, as well as a mapping tool to determine property eligibility.
Port Authority Facade Improvement Program Guidelines
Port Authority Facade Improvement Program Application
Clermont County - HUD LMI Areas - Interactive Map
To submit an application, please email a completed form to sgafvert@clermontcountyohio.gov or mail/drop off a paper copy at our offices (101 E. Main St, Batavia, OH 45103, 3rd Floor).
Port Authority Meetings
The Port Authority Board of Directors sets a meeting schedule each calendar year which is subject to change and is based on the need to conduct official business. Meetings are held on Wednesdays and start times are 2:00 PM EST unless otherwise noted.
- January 21, 2026- Canceled
- February 18, 2026
- March 18, 2026- Canceled
- April 15, 2026
- May 20, 2026- Canceled
- June 17, 2026
- July 15, 2026
- August 19, 2026
- September 16, 2026
- October 21, 2026
- November 18, 2026
- December 16, 2026
In addition to this notice, all regular meetings and any special meeting are also posted on the Clermont County Commissioners public meeting calendar. The public can attend the meeting in person at the Clermont County Administration Building, 101 East Main Street, Third Floor Conference Room, Batavia, Ohio.
Powers of the Port Authority
The broad powers granted under Ohio Revised Code section 4582 provide for the Port to facilitate economic development through the following methods:
- Acquire real and personal property;
- Own, lease, sell, and construct improvements to real property;
- Issue revenue bonds for port authority facilities;
- Issue voted general obligation bonds for port authority facilities and other permanent improvements;
- Levy voted taxes for all purposes of the port authority;
- Receive federal and state grants and loans and other public funds;
- Operate transportation, recreational, governmental, or cultural facilities, and set rates and charges for use of port authority facilities;
- Cooperate broadly with other governmental agencies and exercise powers delegated by such agencies.
Port authorities are also authorized to exercise the power of eminent domain by the Ohio Revised Code. The County Commissioners, however, prohibited the Clermont County Port Authority from using eminent domain in the July 16, 2012 Resolution establishing the Port.