Democratic Ohio Rep. Shontel Brown announced that Cleveland has received $960,000 in federal funding for the North Coast Connector Multimodal Hub Area Study.
The grant, made possible through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, will help reimagine downtown Cleveland’s transportation network and improve connectivity to Lake Erie.
Awarded through the Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program, the grant supports a strategic planning effort to develop a centralized transportation hub that consolidates Amtrak and RTA’s E. 9th Street Rapid Station.
The project will also integrate rail, bus, pedestrian, bike, and freight systems, modernizing Cleveland’s infrastructure while increasing access to public spaces and economic opportunities.
“This is more than a transportation study,” said Rep. Brown. “It’s about charting a more connected and innovative downtown Cleveland. I’m proud to help deliver this investment for Northeast Ohio.”
Mayor Justin M. Bibb echoed the momentum. “This investment brings us one step closer to connecting people to our greatest natural asset. The future is happening on our lakefront.”
The study will also evaluate freight logistics through a proposed Port Access Road to improve cargo flow between the Port of Cleveland and interstate highways.
This is the third major DOT grant Cleveland has received for the North Coast Connector.
The city was awarded $59 million in October 2024 and $69 million in January 2025, both for related infrastructure projects also funded through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law.
