CHEERS project advances to design phase

Transformational lakefront project enters design phase following Port of Cleveland board’s contract approval

Cleveland, OH (October 12, 2022) – In its October board meeting on Thursday, the Port of Cleveland’s Board of Directors approved a $3.75 million contract with Arup Engineering to undertake the design and permitting services needed to proceed with the transformational Cleveland Harbor Eastern Embayment Resilience Strategy (CHEERS) project.

“We’re excited to be moving forward into the design phase of this transformational and vital project that will benefit Northeast Ohio communities for generations to come,” said William D. Friedman, President and CEO of the Port.

CHEERS project partners include the City of Cleveland, Ohio Department of Transportation, Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Black Environmental Leaders Association, Cleveland Metroparks and the Port of Cleveland. Work is funded through a combination of matching funds provided by each partner and grant funding from the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation’s National Coastal Resilience Fund and the Maritime Assistance Program.

 “We’re thrilled to move the CHEERS project into the design phase and create a more resilient, equitable and prosperous lakefront,” said Cleveland Metroparks CEO Brian M. Zimmerman. “The CHEERS project will be transformational for Cleveland’s East Side by protecting critical infrastructure, improving park access, and expanding natural habitat along the Lake Erie shoreline.

Arup was chosen after a request for proposal was released in March and a review of the submissions was made by CHEERS partner organizations, determining that Arup was the most qualified firm for the project.