Thanks to a collaboration between the City of Port Clinton, the Park District of Ottawa County and Greater Sandusky Partnership, a 14-mile extension of the Sandusky Bay Pathway would be constructed in the future. (Submitted photo)

PORT CLINTON – The City of Port Clinton has been awarded funding through the Active Transportation Infrastructure Investment Program (ATIIP), a grant program from the Department of Transportation Federal Highway Administration. The funding will be used to plan a connected multiuse pathway that will transform pedestrian and bicycle travel between Erie and Ottawa Counties.

The City of Port Clinton welcomed the ATIIP selection as one of only 14 from a competitive field of more than 350 applicants nationwide.

“This award will help link the city with popular destinations for residents to enjoy, as well as drive new traffic to the great businesses and local amenities our community offers residents, neighbors and visitors alike,” said Port Clinton Mayor Mike Snider. “The award will allow the region to further leverage this great location along Lake Erie and continue to provide world-class outdoor recreation opportunities.”

A key element of the plan is a 14-mile extension of the Sandusky Bay Pathway, which will connect Sandusky to Port Clinton. For the first time in over 35 years, this initiative will reunite communities that were once linked by the now-decommissioned Sandusky Bay lift bridge, familiarly known as the Old Bay Bridge.

A federal ATIIP grant will fund a study of a proposed multiuse pathway that would connect Ottawa and Erie counties.

The Sandusky Bay Pathway is part of a 100-mile vision to connect communities around the Greater Sandusky Bay Region. Currently, 20 miles are completed or funded, with the Route 6 Corridor as one of those critical pieces awarded the RAISE grant in 2022. Future connections include Sandusky to Huron and expanding as far as Vermilion.

“The Sandusky Bay Pathway extension is a bold step toward creating a regional trail network that redefines how people experience our region. It will establish our region as a premier destination for recreation and community connection—offering residents and visitors alike a unique way to explore, engage, and enjoy the beauty and vibrancy of Greater Sandusky

Region,” said Jeff Kerr, Director of Planning and Policy for Greater Sandusky Partnership.

The study will involve robust public engagement and preliminary engineering design to ensure a comprehensive and inclusive approach. Once completed, the connection will become a vital link in the region, providing safe, sustainable and enjoyable transportation and recreation opportunities for all.

The City of Port Clinton, the Park District of Ottawa County and Greater Sandusky Partnership worked in collaboration to complete and submit the application for the grant. This initiative represents a partnership for a vision of strong regional connectivity.

“Bringing communities together through innovative projects like the Sandusky Bay Pathway is a testament to the power of collaboration. This transformative initiative not only connects people but also opens the door to opportunities for outdoor recreation and regional growth,” said Jannah Wilson, Executive Director, Park District of Ottawa County.