Clinton County Port Authority Highlights $6 million for Local Improvements
- Real Change Wilmington
- Jun 18
- 2 min read
The Clinton County Port Authority (CCPA) released its first-ever Annual Report in April of 2025. The report reviewed their 2024 achievements and their plans for the future.
Alex Beres, Executive Director of the CCPA, stated that, in 2024, the Port Authority brought in “more grant funding for capital projects” at the Wilmington Air Park than in the previous 13 years combined. They received $6 million from the state of Ohio for three projects while also investing $700,000 of their own funds. These projects included replacing navigational equipment on the main runway, replacing the roof on buildings A and F, and reopening the second runway for the first time since DHL left the Wilmington Air Park back in 2009.
Additionally, they received two Brownfield Remediation Grants. They were awarded $1 million for 2022–2024 to clean up the former military shooting range and assess a former drum storage area on their premises. Then, for 2024–2026, they received $850,000 to further clean up the former drum storage area, which is currently “ongoing.”
Their first annual report also detailed economic development in Clinton County, their financial overview, board, staff, partnerships, public relations, and community involvement. Wilmington Air Park is still the largest regional employer and the highest volume cargo airport in Ohio. According to Beres, staff also worked to help author and pass the Abandoned and Derelict Aircraft bill. In addition to this, the report detailed their quarterly speaker series that updates local stakeholders on Clinton County's economy. Throughout the report, the Port Authority also acknowledged its commitment to continue maintaining the Masonic Lodge on Main Street for “future redevelopment” purposes through the Wilmington DRIVE program.
Finally, Beres stated, “We believe investment and development around artificial intelligence (AI) to be the next version of the canals, or railroads, the interstate highway system, or even the Apollo Project. Clinton County is well-positioned to capture part of this wave.”
To learn more about the CCPA’s first annual report, visit chooseclintoncountyoh.org.
