Brown Announces Third Infrastructure Grant for Lakefront

Washington, DC – Congresswoman Shontel Brown (OH-11) today announced that the City of Cleveland has received $960,000 in federal funding for the North Coast Connector project thanks to the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. The federal funding will support the North Coast Connector Multimodal Hub Area Study—a transformative planning effort to reimagine downtown Cleveland’s connection to the lakefront and modernize the city’s transportation infrastructure.

The funding was awarded via the Department of Transportation’s Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) program, a competitive grant program funded by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which Brown voted for in 2021.

“The momentum behind our downtown lakefront continues to grow by the day. This is more than a transportation study, it is about charting a more connected and innovative downtown Cleveland,” said Congresswoman Brown. “The North Coast Connector Multimodal Hub Area Study will lay the groundwork for a transportation network that brings people together, fuels economic opportunity, and better integrates rail, bus, bike, pedestrian, and freight systems. I’m proud to partner with Mayor Bibb and the City of Cleveland to help deliver this investment for Northeast Ohio.”

"Momentum is building around our lakefront, and this federal grant is the latest proof. This investment brings us one step closer to connecting people to our greatest natural asset. We’re grateful to our federal partners for believing in our vision and we will continue to drive this work to fruition. This is the Cleveland Era — and the future is happening on our lakefront." said Cleveland Mayor Justin M. Bibb. 

Led by the City of Cleveland in coordination with key partners, the study will develop a strategic, multi-agency vision for a centralized multimodal transportation hub. This hub will consolidate and modernize the Amtrak Cleveland Station and the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (GCRTA) E. 9th Street Rapid Station, while improving connections to other modes of transportation and ensuring more inclusive access to Lake Erie and the city’s downtown public spaces.

The study also includes a review of freight logistics through the proposed Port Access Road, which would streamline cargo movement between the Port of Cleveland and the regional interstate system.

This grant marks the third Department of Transportation grant the City of Cleveland has received for the North Coast Connector project. In January 2025, the City of Cleveland was awarded $69 million for the North Coast Connector Land Bridge and Downtown Boulevard Project. In October 2024, the City of Cleveland was awarded $59 million in federal grants for the North Coast Connector project, funding that was also made possible by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. 

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