CONNEAUT – As it formulated and now completed its Coastal Resilience Plan, the Conneaut Port Authority has encouraged the community to give feedback, both positive and negative.
On the flip side, the community lived up to its end and communicated exactly what it hoped to see as well as what it doesn’t want to see.
To date, the Port Authority has 11 different projects pinpointed as part of the Coastal Resilience Plan and, because of the partnership between the community and the Port Authority Board, there’s an opportunity to move forward on at least two of those projects.
“Input from stakeholders and community members was instrumental in developing the Coastal Resilience Plan,” a press release from the Port Authority Board read. “More than 300 residents participated through various engagement activities, significantly contributing to the planning process. As a result of this substantial involvement, the plan was expanded from nine proposed projects in September 2024 to 11 finalized projects in October 2025.”
The two projects added to the Coastal Resiliency Plan were a direct result of community involvement.
“Bluff Protection in Reach 10, designed to mitigate property loss from erosion for Conneaut residents, was incorporated based on feedback received at the initial public meeting,” the press release read. “Furthermore, Turkey Creek was designated as a project area following recommendations provided during a stakeholder breakout session with Ashtabula County Metroparks.”
The Port Authority is poised to receive more than $1 million to move forward with the planning of a pair of projects.
“This extensive community engagement enabled the CPA to clearly demonstrate the project’s value and community support, resulting in the approval of additional funding,” the press release read. “The National Coastal Resilience Fund awarded the CPA an additional $1.174 million to advance two projects, bluff protection in Reach 10, and the Marina Drive reconstruction and constructed wetland.”
“These projects will advance to the next phases of study, design and permitting,” the press release continued. “We extend our sincere gratitude to all stakeholders and community members who participated in the events; your contributions were instrumental to this success.”
The Coastal Resilience Plan was funded by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s National Coastal Resilience Fund. The plan incorporates green infrastructure as well as shoreline and upland restoration, serves as a dynamic resource for the community to facilitate resiliency projects on Lake Erie in Conneaut and its vicinity.
As the development phases of the Coastal Resilience Plan get started, the Port Authority will remain open to feedback while continuing to educate on the plan.
“The Port is excited to continue this project starting in spring 2026 in partnership with the team at Environmental Consulting & Technology, Inc. (ECT),” the press release read. “More opportunities for your input and involvement will be available as we advance these projects. Keep an eye on local newspapers, Facebook, and the Port website for more information. Thank you, again, to all those who provided feedback at any stage of the process.”
The Coastal Resilience Plan can be viewed by clicking on the link on the main page of the Port Authority’s website at www.conneautportauthority.com.
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