Cleveland awarded nearly $70 million Reconnecting Communities Pilot Program Grant; total of more than $150 million secured for Lakefront transformation

Project includes the North Coast Connector, E. 9th safety improvements and bringing the Shoreway down to an at-grade road from W. 3rd to E. 9th; construction to begin in 2027

Friday, January 10, 2025 - Cleveland - The U.S. Department of Transportation announced today that the City of Cleveland has been awarded nearly $70 million in Reconnecting Communities Pilot (RCP) Program funding for the North Coast Connector project.
Since last year, the North Coast Connector has received over $150 million in state and federal grant awards. The project was awarded a nearly $60 million Infrastructure for Rebuilding America (INFRA) grant in October 2024 and $20 million from the State Community Investment Fund in June 2024.

"We are thrilled to receive this transformative investment from the U.S. DOT for the North Coast Connector project," said Mayor Justin Bibb. "This funding will allow us to reimagine our waterfront access, transform outdated infrastructure, and build a safer, more vibrant connection between our residents, the lakefront, and the Port of Cleveland. This is a crucial step forward in making Cleveland a more connected and accessible city."

"This historic investment in the North Coast Connector project reflects our shared commitment to creating a more connected, accessible, and vibrant Cleveland," said Council President Blaine A. Griffin. "I applaud the collaboration between city leadership, our federal partners, and the community to bring this transformative vision to life, enhancing our lakefront for generations to come for all Clevelanders - from Lee-Harvard to Kamm's Corners and all points in between."

The North Coast Connector is part of Mayor Bibb's Shore-to-Core-to-Shore vision to enhance mobility, improve safety for residents and visitors, and create conditions to attract private investment along Cleveland's lakefront. The $284 million project, estimated to break ground in 2027, will transform key sections of State Route 2 into a pedestrian-friendly boulevard as well as the construction of a new pedestrian land bridge connecting downtown Cleveland to Lake Erie.

"I also extend my heartfelt gratitude to our dedicated congressional delegation, particularly former U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown and Congresswoman Shontel Brown, for their unwavering support and advocacy in securing this grant for our city," said Bibb. "Their commitment to improving our roads, bridges, and public facilities is a testament to their leadership."

"I am proud to join Mayor Bibb in announcing this significant federal funding for our city. The North Coast Connector and the Mayor's broader Shore-to-Core-to-Shore initiative are transformational initiatives that will help us capitalize on our Lakefront, strengthen our economy, and position Cleveland to thrive for decades to come. We believe in downtown Cleveland. Visionary projects like this are not possible without visionary leaders locally and nationally. The Biden-Harris Administration has believed in Northeast Ohio from the start, and as their administration comes to an end, they have made another investment in our future. Congratulations to everyone with the City who worked on this application, this was a highly competitive grant opportunity, and my office was honored to support the bid," said Congresswoman Shontel Brown.

For more information about the North Coast Connector project and the impact it will have on the Cleveland community, please visit Home - Cleveland North Coast and Shore-to-Core-to-Shore | City of Cleveland Ohio.