August 29: Kaptur Helps Kick Off Ironville Project

Congresswoman Kaptur joined officials from the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority and local government to dedicate a new rail line that could spur economic development and job growth in Northern Ohio.

"The federal, state and local partnership feels good. Industrial growth is the challenge of our country in the global economy. Multi-modal is our future in Northwest Ohio," Congresswoman Kaptur said.

The so-called Ironville Terminal, an $18 million project, will transform approximately 70 acres along the Maumee River into a material handling center.

"The development of Ironville Terminal has received a tremendous amount of support due mostly to the incredible potential this property has for commerce and job development," said Port Authority President Paul Toth. "This is the one project picked for support by the entire community, including state, local and federal governments."

Toth said it required 10 years of effort to acquire the vacant property from Chevron that was home to a former Gulf Oil refinery from 1890 to 1987. Gulf Oil spent $19 million on remediation of the site, successfully completing the State of Ohio's Voluntary Action Program.

The port authority purchased the property for $3.4 million in 2008, making it the largest land mass seaport on the Great Lakes.