CHAPTER 4582: PORT AUTHORITIES

As used in sections 4582.02 to 4582.20 of the Revised Code:

(A) “Port authority” means a body corporate and politic created pursuant to the authority of section 4582.02 of the Revised Code.

(B) “Authorized purposes” or “purpose” means either of the following:

(1) Activities that enhance, foster, aid, provide, or promote transportation, economic development, housing, recreation, education, governmental operations, culture, or research within the jurisdiction of the port authority;

(2) Activities authorized by Sections 13 and 16 of Article VIII, Ohio Constitution.

(C) “Cost,” as applied to a port authority facility, means the cost of acquisition or construction of the facility, and the cost of acquisition of all land, rights-of-way, property rights, easements, franchise rights, and interests required for that acquisition or construction, the cost of demolishing or removing any buildings or structures on land so acquired, including the cost of acquiring any lands to which those buildings or structures may be moved, the cost of acquiring or constructing and equipping a principal office of the port authority, the cost of diverting highways, interchange of highways and access roads to private property, including the cost of land or easements for the access roads, the cost of public utility and common carrier relocation or duplication, the cost of all machinery, furnishings, and equipment, financing charges, interest prior to and during construction and for no more than eighteen months after the completion of construction, engineering, expenses of research and development with respect to port authority facilities, legal expenses, plans, specifications, surveys, studies, estimates of cost and revenues, other expenses necessary or incident to determining the feasibility or practicability of acquiring or constructing the facility, administrative expense, and any other expenses necessary or incident to acquiring or constructing the facility, the financing of such acquisition or construction, including the amount authorized in the resolution of the port authority providing for the issuance of port authority revenue bonds to be paid into any special funds from the proceeds of the bonds and the financing of the placing of the facility in operation. Any obligation, cost, or expense incurred by any governmental agency or person for surveys, borings, the preparation of plans and specifications, and other engineering services, or any other cost described above, in connection with the acquisition or construction of a facility may be regarded as part of the cost of the facility and may be reimbursed out of the proceeds of port authority revenue bonds as authorized by this chapter.

(D) “Port authority facilities” means real or personal property, or any combination thereof, that is owned, leased, or otherwise controlled or financed by a port authority and is related to, useful for, or in furtherance of, one or more authorized purposes.

(E) “Bonds” means bonds, notes, or other forms or evidences of obligation issued in temporary or definitive form, including notes issued in anticipation of the issuance of bonds and renewal notes.

(F) “Construction,” unless the context indicates a different meaning or intent, includes alteration, construction, creation, development, enlargement, improvement, installation, reconstruction, remodeling, and renovation.

(G) “Person” means any individual, firm, partnership, or corporation, or any combination thereof.

(H) “Contracting subdivision” means any governmental subdivision or taxing district of the state that, by action of its legislative authority, enters into an agreement with a port authority or a port authority and one or more other governmental subdivisions or taxing districts of the state. “Contracting subdivision” does not mean a transportation improvement district.

(I) “Governmental subdivision” includes, but is not limited to, any county, municipal corporation, township, port authority, water or sewer district, solid waste management district, school district, health district, park district, soil and water conservation district, water conservancy district, regional transit authority, airport authority, or other district, authority, or commission created pursuant to the laws of this state. “Governmental subdivision” does not include a transportation improvement district.

Effective Date: 05-17-2000

Any municipal corporation, township, county, or any combination of a municipal corporation, municipal corporations, township, townships, county, or counties, none of which was included in a port authority in existence on December 16, 1964, may create a port authority. A municipal corporation shall act by ordinance, a township shall act by resolution of the township trustees, and a county shall act by resolution of the county commissioners, in authorizing the creation of a port authority. A port authority created pursuant to this section is a body corporate and politic that may sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded, and has the powers and jurisdiction enumerated in sections 4582.01 to 4582.20 of the Revised Code. The exercise by the port authority of the powers conferred upon it shall be considered to be essential governmental functions of this state, but no port authority is immune from liability by reason thereof.

Effective Date: 05-17-2000

Effective Date: 05-17-2000

Any political subdivision within the jurisdiction of a port authority may appropriate and expend public funds not otherwise appropriated to finance or subsidize the operation and authorized purposes of the port authority so created.

Subject to making due provisions for payment and performance of its obligations, a port authority may be dissolved by the subdivision or subdivisions creating it, and in that event the properties of the port authority shall be transferred to the subdivision creating it or, if created by more than one subdivision, to the subdivisions creating it in such manner as may be agreed upon between the subdivisions prior to the dissolution of the port authority.

Effective Date: 05-17-2000

After a port authority has been created, any municipal corporation, township, or county, acting by ordinance, resolution of the township trustees, or resolution of the county commissioners, respectively, which is contiguous to such port authority, or to any municipal corporation, township, or county which proposes to join such port authority at the same time and is contiguous to such port authority, or any county within which such port authority is situated, may join such port authority and thereupon the jurisdiction and territory of such port authority shall include such municipal corporation, county, or township. If more than one such political subdivision is to be joined to the port authority at the same time, then each such ordinance or resolution shall designate the political subdivisions which are to be so joined. Any territory or municipal corporation not included in a port authority and which is annexed to a municipal corporation included within the jurisdiction and territory of a port authority shall, on such annexation and without further proceedings, be annexed to and be included in the jurisdiction and territory of such port authority. Before such political subdivision or subdivisions are joined to a port authority, other than by annexation to a municipality, the political subdivision or subdivisions theretofore comprising such port authority shall agree upon the terms and conditions pursuant to which such political subdivision or subdivisions are to be joined. For all purposes of sections 4582.01 to 4582.20, inclusive, of the Revised Code, such political subdivision or subdivisions shall be considered to have participated in the creation of such port authority, except that the initial term of any director of the port authority appointed by such a political subdivision shall be four years. After each ordinance or resolution proposing joinder to the port authority has become effective and the terms and conditions of joinder have been agreed to, the board of directors of the port authority shall by resolution either accept or reject such joinder. Such joinder shall be effective on adoption of the resolution accepting such joinder, unless the port authority to which a political subdivision or subdivisions including a county within which such port authority is located, are to be joined has authority under section 4582.14 of the Revised Code to levy a tax on property within its jurisdiction, then such joinder shall not be effective until approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the electors voting on the question of such joinder. If more than one political subdivision is to be joined to the port authority, then the electors of such subdivision shall vote as a district and the majority affirmative vote shall be determined by the vote cast in such district as a whole. Such election shall be called by the board of directors of the port authority and shall be held, canvassed, and certified in the manner provided for the submission of tax levies under section 5705.191 of the Revised Code except that the question appearing on the ballot shall read:

“Shall _________________________________________________________________ (name or names of political subdivisions to be joined) be joined to ___________________ port authority and the existing tax levy (levies) of such (name) port authority (aggregating) ___ mill per dollar of valuation be authorized to be levied against properties within_________________________________________________________.”

(name or names of political subdivision to be joined).

If the question is approved such joinder shall be immediately effective and the port authority shall be authorized to extend the levy of such tax against all the taxable property within the political subdivision or political subdivisions which have been joined. If such question is approved at a general election then the port authority may amend its budget and resolution adopted pursuant to section 5705.34 of the Revised Code and such levy shall be placed on the current tax list and duplicate and collected as other taxes are collected from all taxable property within the port authority including the political subdivision or political subdivisions joined as a result of such election.

Effective Date: 02-21-1967

(A) A port authority created in accordance with section 4582.02 of the Revised Code shall be governed by a board of directors. Members of a board of directors of a port authority created by the exclusive action of a municipal corporation shall consist of the number of members it considers necessary and shall be appointed by the mayor with the advice and consent of the council. Members of a board of directors of a port authority created by the exclusive action of a township shall consist of such members as it considers necessary and shall be appointed by the township trustees of the township. Members of a board of directors of a port authority created by the exclusive action of a county shall consist of such members as it considers necessary and shall be appointed by the county commissioners of the county. Members of a board of directors of a port authority created by a combination of political subdivisions shall be divided among the political subdivisions in such proportions as the political subdivisions may agree and shall be appointed by the participating political subdivisions in the same manner as this section provides for the appointment of members by a political subdivision creating its own port authority. When a port authority is created by a combination of political subdivisions, the number of directors comprising the board shall be determined by agreement between the political subdivisions, which number from time to time may be changed by amendment of the agreement. The appointing body may at any time remove a director appointed by it for misfeasance, nonfeasance, or malfeasance in office.

A majority of the directors shall have been qualified electors of, or shall have had their businesses or places of employment in, one or more political subdivisions within the area of the jurisdiction of the port authority, for a period of at least three years next preceding their appointment.

The directors of any port authority first appointed shall serve staggered terms. Thereafter each successor shall serve for a term of four years, except that any person appointed to fill a vacancy shall be appointed to only the unexpired term and any director is eligible for reappointment.

The board of directors by rule may provide for the removal of a director who fails to attend three consecutive regular meetings of the board. If a director is so removed, a successor shall be appointed for the remaining term of the removed director in the same manner provided for the original appointment.

The directors shall elect one of their membership as chairperson and another as vice-chairperson and shall designate their terms of office, and shall appoint a secretary who need not be a director. A majority of the board of directors shall constitute a quorum for purposes of holding a meeting of the board. The affirmative vote of a majority of a quorom shall be necessary for any action taken by the port authority unless the board of directors determines by rule to require a greater number of affirmative votes for particular actions to be taken by the port authority. No vacancy in the membership of the board shall impair the rights of a quorum to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties of the port authority.

Each member of the board of directors of a port authority shall be entitled to receive from the port authority such sum of money as the board of directors may determine as compensation for services as director and reimbursement for reasonable expenses in the performance of official duties.

(B) Except for civil actions that arise out of the operation of a motor vehicle and civil actions in which the port authority is the plaintiff, no director, officer, or employee of a port authority shall be liable in any civil action that arises under the law of this state for damage or injury caused in the performance of official duties, unless the director’s, officer’s, or employee’s actions were manifestly outside the scope of the director’s, officer’s, or employee’s employment or official responsibilities, or unless the director, officer, or employee acted with malicious purpose, in bad faith, or in a wanton or reckless manner.

This section does not eliminate, limit, or reduce any immunity from civil liability that is conferred upon a director, officer, or employee by any other provision of the Revised Code or by case law.

(C)(1) A port authority, except as provided in division (B) of this section, shall indemnify a director, officer, or employee from liability incurred in the performance of official duties by paying any judgment in, or amount negotiated in settlement of, any civil action arising under federal law, the law of another state, or the law of a foreign jurisdiction. The reasonableness of the amount of any consent judgment or settlement is subject to the review and approval of the board of directors of the port authority. The maximum aggregate amount of indemnification paid directly from funds to or on behalf of any director, officer, or employee pursuant to this division shall be one million dollars per occurrence, regardless of the number of persons who suffer damage, injury, or death as a result of the occurrence.

(2) A port authority shall not indemnify a director, officer, or employee under any of the following circumstances:

(a) To the extent the director, officer, or employee is covered by a policy of insurance for civil liability purchased by the port authority;

(b) When the director, officer, or employee acts manifestly outside the scope of the director’s, officer’s, or employee’s employment or official responsibilities, with malicious purpose, in bad faith, or in a wanton or reckless manner;

(c) For any portion of a judgment that represents punitive or exemplary damages;

(d) For any portion of a consent judgment or settlement that is unreasonable.

(3) The port authority may purchase a policy or policies of insurance on behalf of directors, officers, and employees of the port authority from an insurer or insurers licensed to do business in this state providing coverage for damages in connection with any civil action, demand, or claim against the director, officer, or employee by reason of an act or omission by the director, officer, or employee occurring in the performance of official duties and not coming within the terms of division (C)(2)(b) of this section.

(4) This section does not affect any of the following:

(a) Any defense that would otherwise be available in an action alleging personal liability of a director, officer, or employee;

(b) The operation of section 9.83 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 03-14-2003

In addition to any immunity from civil liability that is conferred upon a director by any other provision of the Revised Code or by decisions of Ohio or federal courts, no member of the board of directors of a port authority shall be personally liable for any monetary damages that arise from actions taken in the performance of his official duties, except for acts or omissions that are not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, or any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

Effective Date: 06-10-1987

(A) A port authority created in accordance with section 4582.02 of the Revised Code shall employ and fix the qualifications, duties, and compensation of any employees and professional help it may require to conduct the business of the port and may appoint an advisory board, which shall serve without compensation. Any employee may be suspended or dismissed, and the services of professional help may be terminated at any time by the port authority.

(B) A port authority may provide for the administration and enforcement of the laws of the state by employing special police officers and may seek the assistance of other appropriate law enforcement officers to enforce its regulations and maintain order.

(C) Special police officers employed by a port authority shall serve as police officers with respect to the property, grounds, buildings, equipment, and facilities under the control of the port authority, to prevent hijacking of aircraft or watercraft, protect the property of the authority and the property of others located thereon, suppress nuisances and disturbances and breaches of the peace, and enforce laws and the rules of the port authority for the preservation of good order. In performing their duties, special police officers are vested with the same powers of arrest as police officers under section 2935.03 of the Revised Code.

Any person employed as a special police officer by a port authority is a “public employee” as defined in section 145.01 of the Revised Code and is not a “member of a police department” as defined in section 742.01 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 05-17-2000

(A) A port authority created under section 4582.02 of the Revised Code may procure and pay all or any part of the cost of group hospitalization, surgical, major medical, sickness and accident insurance, or group life insurance, or a combination of any of the foregoing types of insurance or coverage for employees and their families, issued by an insurance company duly authorized to do business in this state.

(B) A port authority also may procure and pay all or any part of the cost of a plan of group hospitalization, surgical, major medical, or sickness and accident insurance with a health insuring corporation holding a certificate of authority under Chapter 1751. of the Revised Code, provided that each employee shall be permitted to:

(1) Exercise an option between a plan offered by an insurance company as provided in division (A) of this section and a plan offered by a health insuring corporation under this division, on the condition that the employee shall pay any amount by which the cost of the plan offered in this division exceeds the cost of the plan offered under division (A) of this section; and

(2) Change from one of the two plans to the other at a time each year as determined by the port authority.

(C) A port authority may procure or contract for any type of insurance authorized by division (A) or (B) of this section on its own or jointly as part of a group with one or more other governmental units or agencies to provide that insurance for the employees of the members of the group and their families. A port authority also may establish and maintain an individual or joint self-insurance program for hospitalization, surgical, major medical, or sickness and accident insurance.

Effective Date: 05-17-2000

The area of jurisdiction of a port authority created in accordance with section 4582.02 of the Revised Code shall include all of the territory of the political subdivision or subdivisions creating it, provided that in no case other than as may result from the determination of a port authority under division (C) of section 4582.201 of the Revised Code to change the provisions of Chapter 4582. of the Revised Code that govern its operation, shall the same area be included in more than one port authority.

Effective Date: 05-17-2000

(A) A port authority created in accordance with section 4582.02 of the Revised Code may:

(1) Acquire, construct, furnish, equip, maintain, repair, sell, exchange, lease to or from, lease with an option to purchase, convey other interests in, or operate real or personal property, or any combination thereof, related to, useful for, or in furtherance of any authorized purpose, and make charges for the use of any port authority facility, which shall be not less than the charges established for the same services furnished by a public utility or common carrier in the jurisdiction of the particular port authority;

(2) Straighten, deepen, and improve any canal, channel, river, stream, or other water course or way that may be necessary or proper in the development of the facilities of the port authority;

(3) Issue bonds or notes for the acquisition, construction, furnishing, or equipping of any real or personal property, or any combination thereof, related to, useful for, or in furtherance of any authorized purpose, in compliance with Chapter 133. of the Revised Code, except that the bonds or notes only may be issued pursuant to a vote of the electors residing within the territory of the port authority. The net indebtedness incurred by a port authority shall never exceed two per cent of the total value of all property within the territory comprising the authority as listed and assessed for taxation.

(4) By resolution of its board of directors, issue revenue bonds beyond the limit of bonded indebtedness provided by law, for the acquisition, construction, furnishing, or equipping of any real or personal property, or any combination thereof, related to, useful for, or in furtherance of any authorized purpose, including all costs in connection with or incidental thereto.

The revenue bonds of the port authority shall be secured only by a pledge of and a lien on the revenues of the port authority derived from those loan payments, rentals, fees, charges, or other revenues that are designated in the resolution, including, but not limited to, any property to be acquired, constructed, furnished, or equipped with the proceeds of the bond issue, after provision only for the reasonable cost of operating, maintaining, and repairing the property of the port authority so designated. The bonds may further be secured by the covenant of the port authority to maintain rates or charges that will produce revenues sufficient to meet the costs of operating, maintaining, and repairing such property and to meet the interest and principal requirements of the bonds and to establish and maintain reserves for the foregoing purposes. The board of directors, by resolution, may provide for the issuance of additional revenue bonds from time to time, to be secured equally and ratably, without preference, priority, or distinction, with outstanding revenue bonds, but subject to the terms and limitations of any trust agreement described in this section, and of any resolution authorizing bonds then outstanding. The board of directors, by resolution, may designate additional property of the port authority, the revenues of which shall be pledged and be subject to a lien for the payment of the debt charges on revenue bonds theretofore authorized by resolution of the board of directors, to the same extent as the revenues above described.

In the discretion of the board of directors, the revenue bonds of the port authority may be secured by a trust agreement between the board of directors on behalf of the port authority and a corporate trustee, that may be any trust company or bank having powers of a trust company, within or without the state.

The trust agreement may provide for the pledge or assignment of the revenues to be received, but shall not pledge the general credit and taxing power of the port authority. A trust agreement securing revenue bonds issued to acquire, construct, furnish, or equip real property, plants, factories, offices, and other structures and facilities for authorized purposes consistent with Section 13 or 16 of Article VIII, Ohio Constitution, may mortgage the real or personal property, or a combination thereof, to be acquired, constructed, furnished, or equipped from the proceeds of such revenue bonds, as further security for the bonds. The trust agreement or the resolution providing for the issuance of revenue bonds may set forth the rights and remedies of the bondholders and trustee, and may contain other provisions for protecting and enforcing their rights and remedies that are determined in the discretion of the board of directors to be reasonable and proper. The agreement or resolution may provide for the custody, investment, and disbursement of all moneys derived from the sale of such bonds, or from the revenues of the port authority, other than those moneys received from taxes levied pursuant to section 4582.14 of the Revised Code, and may provide for the deposit of such funds without regard to section 4582.15 of the Revised Code.

All bonds issued under authority of this chapter, regardless of form or terms and regardless of any other law to the contrary, shall have all qualities and incidents of negotiable instruments, subject to provisions for registration, and may be issued in coupon, fully registered, or other form, or any combination thereof, as the board of directors determines. Provision may be made for the registration of any coupon bonds as to principal alone or as to both principal and interest, and for the conversion into coupon bonds of any fully registered bonds or bonds registered as to both principal and interest.

The revenue bonds shall bear interest at such rate or rates, shall bear such date or dates, and shall mature within forty years following the date of issuance and in such amount, at such time or times, and in such number of installments, as may be provided in or pursuant to the resolution authorizing their issuance. Any original issue of revenue bonds shall mature not later than forty years from their date of issue. Such resolution also shall provide for the execution of the bonds, which may be by facsimile signatures unless prohibited by the resolution, and the manner of sale of the bonds. The resolution shall provide for, or provide for the determination of, any other terms and conditions relative to the issuance, sale, and retirement of the bonds that the board of directors in its discretion determines to be reasonable and proper.

Whenever a port authority considers it expedient, it may issue renewal notes and refund any bonds, whether the bonds to be refunded have or have not matured. The final maturity of any notes, including any renewal notes, shall not be later than five years from the date of issue of the original issue of notes. The final maturity of any refunding bonds shall not be later than the later of forty years from the date of issue of the original issue of bonds or the date by which it is expected, at the time of issuance of the refunding bonds, that the useful life of all of the property, other than interests in land, refinanced with proceeds of the bonds will have expired. The refunding bonds shall be sold and the proceeds applied to the purchase, redemption, or payment of the bonds to be refunded and the costs of issuance of the refunding bonds. The bonds and notes issued under this chapter, their transfer, and the income therefrom, shall at all times be free from taxation within the state.

(5) Do any of the following, in regard to any interests in any real or personal property, or any combination thereof, including, without limitation, machinery, equipment, plants, factories, offices, and other structures and facilities related to, useful for, or in furtherance of any authorized purpose, for such consideration and in such manner, consistent with Article VIII, Ohio Constitution, as the board in its sole discretion may determine:

(a) Loan moneys to any person for the acquisition, construction, furnishing, and equipping of the property;

(b) Acquire, construct, maintain, repair, furnish, and equip the property;

(c) Sell to, exchange with, lease, convey other interests in, or lease with an option to purchase the same or any lesser interest in the property to the same or any other person or governmental entity;

(d) Guarantee the obligations of any person or governmental entity.

A port authority may accept and hold as consideration for the conveyance of property or any interest therein such property or interests therein as the board in its discretion may determine, notwithstanding any restrictions that apply to the investment of funds by a port authority.

(6) Construct, maintain, repair, furnish, equip, sell, exchange, lease, or lease with an option to purchase, any property that it is authorized to acquire. A port authority that is subject to this section also may operate any property in connection with transportation, recreational, governmental operations, or cultural activities.

(a) Any purchase, exchange, sale, lease, lease with an option to purchase, conveyance of other interests in, or other contract with a person or governmental entity that pertains to the acquisition, construction, maintenance, repair, furnishing, equipping, or operation of any real or personal property, or any combination thereof, related to, useful for, or in furtherance of an activity contemplated by Section 13 or 16 of Article VIII, Ohio Constitution, shall be made in such manner and subject to such terms and conditions as may be determined by the board of directors in its discretion.

(b) Division (A)(6)(a) of this section applies to all contracts that are subject to the division, notwithstanding any other provision of law that might otherwise apply, including, without limitation, any requirement of notice, any requirement of competitive bidding or selection, or any requirement for the provision of security.

(c) Divisions (A)(6)(a) and (b) of this section do not apply to either of the following:

(i) Any contract secured by or to be paid from moneys raised by taxation or the proceeds of obligations secured by a pledge of moneys raised by taxation;

(ii) Any contract secured exclusively by or to be paid exclusively from the general revenues of the port authority. For the purposes of this section, any revenues derived by the port authority under a lease or other agreement that, by its terms, contemplates the use of amounts payable under the agreement either to pay the costs of the improvement that is the subject of the contract or to secure obligations of the port authority issued to finance costs of such improvement, are excluded from general revenues.

(7) Apply to the proper authorities of the United States pursuant to appropriate law for the right to establish, operate, and maintain foreign trade zones and to establish, operate, and maintain foreign trade zones; and to acquire land or property therefor, in a manner consistent with section 4582.17 of the Revised Code;

(8) Exercise the right of eminent domain to appropriate any land, rights, rights-of-way, franchises, easements, or other property, necessary or proper for any authorized purpose, pursuant to the procedure provided in sections 163.01 to 163.22 of the Revised Code, if funds equal to the appraised value of the property to be acquired as a result of such proceedings are available for that purpose, except that nothing contained in sections 4582.01 to 4582.20 of the Revised Code shall authorize a port authority to take or disturb property or facilities belonging to any agency or political subdivision of this state, public utility, or common carrier, which property or facilities are necessary and convenient in the operation of the agency or political subdivision, public utility, or common carrier, unless provision is made for the restoration, relocation, or duplication of the property or facilities, or upon the election of the agency or political subdivision, public utility, or common carrier, for the payment of compensation, if any, at the sole cost of the port authority, provided that:

(a) If any restoration or duplication proposed to be made pursuant to this section involves a relocation of such property or facilities, the new facilities and location shall be of at least comparable utilitarian value and effectiveness, and the relocation shall not impair the ability of the public utility or common carrier to compete in its original area of operation.

(b) If any restoration or duplication made pursuant to this section involves a relocation of such property or facilities, the port authority shall acquire no interest or right in or to the appropriated property or facilities, except as provided in division (A)(11) of this section, until the relocated property or facilities are available for use and until marketable title thereto has been transferred to the public utility or common carrier.

(c) Provisions for restoration or duplication shall be described in detail in the resolution for appropriation passed by the port authority.

(9) Enjoy and possess the same rights, privileges, and powers granted municipal corporations under sections 721.04 to 721.11 of the Revised Code;

(10) Maintain such funds as it considers necessary;

(11) Direct its agents or employees, when properly identified in writing, and after at least five days’ written notice, to enter upon lands within the confines of its jurisdiction in order to make surveys and examinations preliminary to location and construction of works for the purposes of the port authority, without liability of the port authority or its agents or employees except for actual damage done;

(12) Sell, lease, or convey other interests in real and personal property and grant easements or rights-of-way over property of the port authority. The board of directors shall specify the consideration and any terms thereof for the sale, lease, or conveyance of other interests in real and personal property. Any determinations made by the board of directors under this division shall be conclusive. The sale, lease, or conveyance may be made without advertising and the receipt of bids.

(13) Promote, advertise, and publicize the port authority facilities and its authorized purposes, provide information to persons with an interest in transportation and other port authority activities, and appear before rate-making authorities to represent and promote the interests of the port authority and its authorized purposes;

(14) Adopt rules, not in conflict with general law, governing the use of and the safeguarding of its property, grounds, buildings, equipment, and facilities, safeguarding persons and their property located on or in port authority property, and governing the conduct of its employees and the public, in order to promote the public safety and convenience in and about its terminals and grounds, and to maintain order. Any such regulation shall be posted at no less than five public places in the port authority, as determined by the board of directors, for a period of not fewer than fifteen days, and shall be available for public inspection at the principal office of the port authority during regular business hours. No person shall violate any lawful regulation adopted and posted as provided in this division.

(15) Do all acts necessary or appropriate to carry out its authorized purposes. The port authority shall have the powers and rights granted to other subdivisions under section 9.20 of the Revised Code.

(B) Any instrument by which real property is acquired pursuant to this section shall identify the agency of the state that has the use and benefit of the real property as specified in section 5301.012 of the Revised Code.

(C) Whoever violates division (A)(14) of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

Effective Date: 01-01-2004

Effective Date: 04-05-2001

(A) Financial and proprietary information, including trade secrets, submitted by or on behalf of an employer to a port authority or to a nonprofit corporation engaged by contract to provide economic development services for a port authority, in connection with the relocation, location, expansion, improvement, or preservation of the business of that employer is not a public record subject to section 149.43 of the Revised Code. Any other information submitted by such an employer under such circumstances is not a public record subject to section 149.43 of the Revised Code until that employer commits in writing to proceed with the relocation, location, expansion, improvement, or preservation.

(B) Notwithstanding section 121.22 of the Revised Code, the board of directors of a port authority and the board of trustees of a nonprofit corporation described in division (A) of this section, and any committee or subcommittee of either, when considering information that is not a public record under this section, may close any meeting during the consideration of that information pursuant to a vote of a majority of the members present on a motion stating that such information is to be considered. No other matters shall be considered during the closed session.

Effective Date: 05-17-2000

The port authority shall foster and encourage the participation of private enterprise in the development of port authority facilities to the fullest extent it considers practicable in the interest of limiting the necessity of construction and operation of those facilities by the port authority.

Effective Date: 05-17-2000

Nothing contained in sections 4582.01 to 4582.16 of the Revised Code shall:

(A) Impair the provisions of law or ordinance directing the payment of revenues derived from public property into sinking funds or dedicating those revenues to specific purposes;

(B) Impair the powers of any county, township, or municipal corporation to develop or improve port and terminal facilities except as restricted by section 4582.16 of the Revised Code;

(C) Enlarge, alter, diminish, or affect in any way, any lease or conveyance made, or action taken prior to the creation of a port authority in accordance with section 4582.02 of the Revised Code by any municipal corporation under the provisions of sections 721.04 to 721.11 of the Revised Code, or by any county under the provisions of section 307.65 of the Revised Code;

(D) Impair or interfere with the exercise of any permit for the removal of sand or gravel, or other similar permits issued by this state or the United States;

(E) Impair or contravene applicable federal regulations.

Effective Date: 05-17-2000

(A) Except as otherwise provided in division (E) of section 307.671 of the Revised Code, division (A) of this section does not apply to a port authority educational and cultural facility acquired, constructed, and equipped pursuant to a cooperative agreement entered into under section 307.671 of the Revised Code.

Except as provided in division (C) of this section, when the cost of a contract for the construction of any building, structure, or other improvement undertaken by a port authority involves an expenditure exceeding twenty-five thousand dollars and the port authority is the contracting entity, the port authority shall make a written contract after notice calling for bids for the award of the contract has been given by publication twice, with at least seven days between publications, in a newspaper of general circulation in the area of the jurisdiction of the port authority. Each such contract shall be let to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder in accordance with section 9.312 of the Revised Code. Every contract let shall be in writing and if the contract involves work or construction, it shall be accompanied by or shall refer to plans and specifications for the work to be done, prepared for and approved by the port authority, signed by an authorized officer of the port authority and by the contractor, and shall be executed in triplicate.

Each bid shall be awarded in accordance with sections 153.54, 153.57, and 153.571 of the Revised Code.

The port authority may reject any and all bids.

(B) The board of directors of a port authority by rule may provide criteria for the negotiation and award without competitive bidding of any contract as to which the port authority is the contracting entity for the construction of any building, structure, or other improvement under any of the following circumstances:

(1) There exists a real and present emergency that threatens damage or injury to persons or property of the port authority or other persons, provided that a statement specifying the nature of the emergency that is the basis for the negotiation and award of a contract without competitive bidding shall be signed by the officer of the port authority that executes that contract at the time of the contract’s execution and shall be attached to the contract.

(2) A commonly recognized industry or other standard or specification does not exist and cannot objectively be articulated for the improvement.

(3) The contract is for any energy conservation measure as defined in section 307.041 of the Revised Code.

(4) With respect to material to be incorporated into the improvement, only a single source or supplier exists for the material.

(5) A single bid is received by the port authority after complying with the provisions of division (A) of this section.

(C)(1) If a contract is to be negotiated and awarded without competitive bidding for the reason set forth in division (B)(2) of this section, the port authority shall publish a notice calling for technical proposals at least twice, with at least seven days between publications, in a newspaper of general circulation in the area of the port authority. After receipt of the technical proposals, the port authority may negotiate with and award a contract for the improvement to the proposer making the proposal considered to be the most advantageous to the port authority.

(2) If a contract is to be negotiated and awarded without competitive bidding for the reason set forth in division (B)(4) of this section, any construction activities related to the incorporation of the material into the improvement also may be provided without competitive bidding by the source or supplier of that material.

(D) No contract for the construction or repair of any building, structure, or other improvement and no loan agreement for the borrowing of funds for any such improvement undertaken by a port authority, where the port authority is the contracting entity, shall be executed unless laborers and mechanics employed on such improvements are paid at the prevailing rates of wages of laborers and mechanics for the class of work called for by the improvement. The wages shall be determined in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 4115. of the Revised Code for the determination of prevailing wage rates, provided that the requirements of this section do not apply where the federal government or any of its agencies furnishes by loan or grant all or any part of the funds used in connection with such project and prescribes predetermined minimum wages to be paid to the laborers and mechanics.

Effective Date: 05-17-2000; 12-30-2004

The legislative authority of any municipal corporation, county, township, school district, or other political subdivision or taxing district, may convey or lease to, or exchange with, any port authority or any port authority may convey or lease to, or exchange with, a municipal corporation, county, township, school district, or other political subdivision or taxing district, without competitive bidding and on mutually agreeable terms, any personal property or real property, or any interest therein, which is not needed for the purposes of the grantor, or lessor, to be used by the recipient or lessee for its purposes.

Effective Date: 10-30-1965

The board of directors of a port authority created in accordance with section 4582.02 of the Revised Code shall annually prepare a budget for the port authority.

Rents and charges received by the port authority shall be used for the general expenses of the port authority and to pay interest, amortization, and retirement charges on money borrowed. If there remains, at the end of any calendar year, any surplus of such funds after providing for the above uses, the board of directors may pay such surplus into the general funds of the political subdivisions creating and comprising the port authority in proportion to the taxable value of all property within the port authority which shall be listed on the general tax lists for the respective subdivisions.

Effective Date: 06-30-1955

Upon the affirmative vote of at least a majority of the qualified electors in a primary or general election, within the port authority voting at an election held for the purpose of authorizing same, the port authority may levy upon the property within its jurisdiction a tax, for all purposes including bond debt charges, not in excess of one mill annually on the total value of all property as listed and assessed for taxation for any period not exceeding five years, except that when the tax is for the payment of bond debt charges, such tax shall be for the life of the bond indebtedness. On approval of such a levy, notes may be issued in anticipation of the collection of the proceeds thereof, other than the proceeds to be received for the payment of bond debt charges, in the amount and manner and at the times as are provided in section 5705.193 of the Revised Code, for the issuance of notes by a county in anticipation of the proceeds of a tax levy. The port authority may borrow money in anticipation of the collection of current revenues as provided in section 133.10 of the Revised Code.

The board of directors of a port authority shall be the taxing authority within sections 5705.01 and 133.10 of the Revised Code.

Such tax shall be for the purpose of providing funds necessary for the port authority budget and shall be certified annually to the taxing authorities of the political subdivision or subdivisions within the port authority. The collection of such tax levy shall conform in all matters to the provisions of the Revised Code governing the collection of taxes and assessments levied by local taxing districts and the same provisions concerning the nonpayment of taxes shall apply to taxes levied pursuant to this section.

Effective Date: 10-30-1989

Before receiving any moneys, the secretary of a port authority created in accordance with section 4582.02 of the Revised Code shall furnish bond in such amount as shall be determined by the port authority, with sureties satisfactory to it, and all funds coming into the hands of said secretary shall be deposited by him to the account of the port authority in one or more such depositories as shall be qualified to receive deposits of county funds, which deposits shall be secured in the same manner as county funds are required to be secured. No disbursements shall be made from such funds except in accordance with rules and regulations adopted by the port authority.

Effective Date: 06-30-1955

No municipal corporation or county, respectively, creating or participating in the creation of a port authority in accordance with section 4582.02 of the Revised Code shall during the time said port authority is in existence have the right to exercise the rights and powers as provided in sections 721.04 to 721.11, inclusive, or section 307.65 of the Revised Code, respectively.

Effective Date: 06-30-1955

(A) A port authority created in accordance with section 4582.02 of the Revised Code may enter into such contracts or other arrangements with the United States government, or any department thereof, with persons, railroads, or other corporations, with public corporations, with public utilities, and with the state government of this or other states, with governments of foreign countries, with counties, municipalities, townships, or other governmental agencies created by or under the authority of the laws of this state, other states, or governments of foreign countries, including sewerage, drainage, conservation, conservancy, or other improvement districts in this or other states as may be necessary or convenient for the exercise of powers granted by sections 4582.01 to 4582.16 of the Revised Code, including the making of surveys, investigations, or reports thereon; provided that the contracts or arrangements shall not be in violation of Article VIII of the Ohio Constitution. The port authority may purchase, lease, or acquire land or other property in any county of this state and in adjoining states for the accomplishment of authorized purposes of the port authority, or for the improvement of the harbor and port facilities over which the port authority may have jurisdiction, and may let contracts or spend money for those purposes, including the development of port facilities in adjoining states. The authority granted in this section to enter into contracts or other arrangements with the United States government or any department thereof, includes the power to enter into any contracts, arrangements, or agreements as may be necessary to hold and save harmless the United States from damages due to the construction and maintenance by the United States of works the United States undertakes.

Any political subdivision that has participated in the creation of a port authority pursuant to section 4582.02 of the Revised Code, or is within or adjacent to, the jurisdiction of the port authority, may enter into an agreement, which may be amended or supplemented, with the port authority to accomplish any of the authorized purposes of the port authority. The agreement may set forth the extent to which the port authority shall act as the agent of the political subdivision.

(B) A port authority may enter into an agreement with one or more contracting subdivisions, whereby the port authority or any contracting subdivision undertakes, and is authorized by the port authority or any contracting subdivision, to exercise any power, perform any function, or render any service, on behalf of the port authority or a contracting subdivision, which the port authority or the contracting subdivision is authorized to exercise, perform, or render.

Upon the execution of such an agreement, and within the limitations prescribed by the agreement, the port authority and any contracting subdivision shall possess and may exercise the same powers and may perform the same functions and render the same services, as are possessed and are authorized to be exercised, or to be performed or rendered by the port authority or any contracting subdivision that is a party to the agreement, which, by such agreement, the port authority or a contracting subdivision undertakes to exercise, perform, or render, and all powers necessary or incidental thereto, as amply as such powers may be possessed and are authorized to be exercised, or those functions are authorized to be performed or those services are authorized to be rendered, by the port authority or any contracting subdivision directly. The exercise of those powers, performance of those functions, and rendering of those services by the port authority or any contracting subdivision shall be governed by any procedures applicable to the port authority or contracting subdivision on behalf of which the powers are being exercised, the functions are being performed, or the services are being rendered. Any such agreement shall not suspend the possession by the port authority or a contracting subdivision of, or its authority to exercise, any powers, or its authority to perform any function or render any service. A port authority or any contracting subdivision shall not acquire by virtue of any agreement entered into under this section any power to levy or exempt taxes or any power to exercise eminent domain within, and on behalf of, any other subdivision unless approved by a majority of the electors of that contracting subdivision.

Effective Date: 05-17-2000

Bonds of a port authority issued pursuant to sections 4582.01 to 4582.17 of the Revised Code are lawful investments of banks and trust companies with approval of the superintendent of banks, of savings and loan associations, of the bond retirement funds or the sinking funds of municipal corporations, boards of education, port authorities, and counties, of the administrator of workers’ compensation, of the retirement board of the state teachers retirement system, of the retirement board of the state public school employees retirement system, of the retirement board of the public employees retirement system, and of domestic life insurance companies and domestic insurance companies other than life, and shall be acceptable as security for the deposit of public moneys.

Effective Date: 09-01-1995

Whenever any action is proposed with respect to the vacation, dedication, narrowing, or widening of any street, avenue, alley, road, or highway, which is located within one-half mile of any navigable waters within the jurisdiction of a port authority, created in accordance with the provisions of Chapter 4582. of the Revised Code, notice of the pendency of any such proceeding shall be given to such port authority. Such notice shall be given by the municipal corporation, county, or other authority initiating or having jurisdiction over the action so proposed, which notice shall designate a time and place for a public hearing, at which the port authority shall have an opportunity to be heard.

Effective Date: 10-05-1961

A port authority shall be exempt from and shall not be required to pay any taxes on property, both real and personal, or any combination thereof, belonging to any port authority that is used exclusively for any authorized purpose. This exemption shall not apply to any property occupied and used during a tax year by a person who is a lessee of the property as of the tax lien date for that tax year under a written lease with a remaining term longer than one year. The immediately preceding sentence shall not apply to real or personal property, or any combination thereof, leased to a lessee, which property would be exempt from taxes under Chapter 5709. of the Revised Code if such property belonged to that lessee. Nothing in this section eliminates the lessor’s or the lessee’s obligation to comply with other provisions of the Revised Code to obtain an exemption for such property.

Effective Date: 03-14-2003

(A) Sections 4582.01 to 4582.20 of the Revised Code apply exclusively to a port authority in existence on July 9, 1982, unless the subdivision or subdivisions that created the port authority act pursuant to division (B) of this section.

(B) The subdivision or subdivisions that created a port authority in existence on July 9, 1982, may adopt a resolution or ordinance to permit the port authority to operate under sections 4582.21 to 4582.59 of the Revised Code. Subject to division (C) of this section, upon adoption of such a resolution or ordinance, sections 4582.01 to 4582.20 of the Revised Code no longer apply. At the time the resolution or ordinance is adopted, the subdivision or subdivisions that created the port authority also may act pursuant to division (B) of section 4582.22 of the Revised Code to restrict the powers of the port authority.

(C) The subdivision or subdivisions that have adopted a resolution or ordinance under division (B) of this section may adopt a resolution or ordinance to permit the port authority to resume operating under sections 4582.01 to 4582.20 of the Revised Code. Upon adoption of such a resolution or ordinance and adoption of a similar resolution by the board of directors of the affected port authority, sections 4582.21 to 4582.59 of the Revised Code shall not apply and sections 4582.01 to 4582.20 of the Revised Code shall apply from and after the time the last such resolution or ordinance is adopted. A subdivision or subdivisions that act under division (C) of this section may not thereafter adopt a resolution or ordinance under division (B) of this section.

Effective Date: 05-17-2000

Sections 4582.21 to 4582.59 of the Revised Code apply exclusively to a port authority created after July 9, 1982, and to a port authority in existence on July 9, 1982, if the subdivision or subdivisions that created the port authority adopt a resolution or ordinance permitted under division (B) of section 4582.201 of the Revised Code but have not adopted a resolution or ordinance under division (C) of that section to resume operating under sections 4582.01 to 4582.20 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 05-17-2000

As used in sections 4582.22 to 4582.59 of the Revised Code:

(A) “Port authority” means a body corporate and politic created pursuant to the authority of section 4582.22 of the Revised Code.

(B) “Authorized purposes” or “purpose” means either of the following:

(1) Activities that enhance, foster, aid, provide, or promote transportation, economic development, housing, recreation, education, governmental operations, culture, or research within the jurisdiction of the port authority;

(2) Activities authorized by Sections 13 and 16 of Article VIII, Ohio Constitution.

(C) “Governmental agency” means a department, division, or other unit of state government of this state or any other state, a municipal corporation, county, township, or other political subdivision, or any other public corporation or agency created under the laws of this state, any other state, the United States, or any department or agency thereof, and any agency, commission, or authority established pursuant to an interstate compact or agreement.

(D) “Person” means any individual, firm, partnership, association, or corporation, or any combination thereof.

(E) “Port authority facility” or “facility” means real or personal property, or any combination thereof owned, leased, or otherwise controlled or financed by a port authority and related to, useful for, or in furtherance of, one or more authorized purposes.

(F) “Cost” as applied to a port authority facility means the cost of acquisition or construction of the facility, and the cost of acquisition of all land, rights-of-way, property rights, easements, franchise rights, and interests required for that acquisition or construction, the cost of demolishing or removing any buildings or structures on land so acquired, including the cost of acquiring any lands to which those buildings or structures may be moved, the cost of acquiring or constructing and equipping a principal office of the port authority, the cost of diverting highways, interchange of highways, and access roads to private property, including the cost of land or easements for the access roads, the cost of public utility and common carrier relocation or duplication, the cost of all machinery, furnishings, and equipment, financing charges, interest prior to and during construction and for no more than eighteen months after completion of construction, engineering, expenses of research and development with respect to port authority facilities, legal expenses, plans, specifications, surveys, studies, estimates of cost and revenues, other expenses necessary or incident to determining the feasibility or practicability of acquiring or constructing the facility, administrative expense, and other expenses as may be necessary or incident to the acquisition or construction of the facility, the financing of the acquisition or construction, including the amount authorized in the resolution of the port authority providing for the issuance of port authority revenue bonds to be paid into any special funds from the proceeds of such bonds and the financing of the placing of the facility in operation. Any obligation, cost, or expense incurred by any governmental agency or person for surveys, borings, preparation of plans and specifications, and other engineering services, or any other cost described above, in connection with the acquisition or construction of a facility may be regarded as part of the cost of the facility and may be reimbursed out of the proceeds of port authority revenue bonds as authorized by this chapter.

(G) “Revenues” means all rentals and other charges received by the port authority for the use or services of any port authority facility, any gift or grant received with respect to any port authority facility, any moneys received with respect to the lease, sublease, sale, including installment sale or conditional sale, or other disposition of a port authority facility, moneys received in repayment of and for interest on any loans made by the port authority to a person or governmental agency, whether from the United States or any department, administration, or agency thereof, or otherwise, proceeds of port authority revenue bonds to the extent the use thereof for payment of principal or of premium, if any, or interest on the bonds is authorized by the port authority, proceeds from any insurance, condemnation, or guaranty pertaining to a facility or property mortgaged to secure bonds or pertaining to the financing of the facility, and income and profit from the investment of the proceeds of port authority revenue bonds or of any revenues.

(H) “Public roads” includes all public highways, roads, and streets in the state, whether maintained by the state or by a county, township, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision.

(I) “Construction,” unless the context indicates a different meaning or intent, includes alteration, construction, creation, development, enlargement, improvement, installation, reconstruction, remodeling, and renovation.

(J) “Port authority revenue bonds,” unless the context indicates a different meaning or intent, includes revenue notes, revenue renewal notes, and revenue refunding bonds.

(K) “Contracting subdivision” means any governmental subdivision or taxing district of the state that, by action of its legislative authority, enters into an agreement with a port authority or a port authority and one or more other governmental subdivisions or taxing districts of the state. “Contracting subdivision” does not mean a transportation improvement district.

(L) “Governmental subdivision” includes, but is not limited to, any county, municipal corporation, township, port authority, water or sewer district, solid waste management district, school district, health district, park district, soil and water conservation district, water conservancy district, regional transit authority, airport authority, or other district, authority, or commission created pursuant to the laws of this state. “Governmental subdivision” does not include a transportation improvement district.

Effective Date: 05-17-2000

(A) Any municipal corporation, township, or county not included in a port authority in existence on December 16, 1964, may create, or any combination of a municipal corporation, municipal corporations, township, townships, county, or counties, no one of which has been included in a port authority in existence on December 16, 1964, may create, and any of the foregoing together with any other political subdivision or subdivisions may create a port authority. A municipal corporation shall act by ordinance, a township shall act by resolution of the township trustees, a county shall act by resolution of the county commissioners, and any other political subdivision shall act by resolution of its legislative authority, in authorizing the creation of a port authority. A port authority created pursuant to this section is a body corporate and politic which may sue and be sued, plead and be impleaded, and has the powers and jurisdiction enumerated in sections 4582.21 to 4582.59 of the Revised Code. The exercise by such port authority of the powers conferred upon it shall be deemed to be essential governmental functions of this state, but no port authority is immune from liability by reason thereof.

(B) At the time a port authority is created pursuant to division (A) of section 4582.22 of the Revised Code or, in the case of a port authority in existence on July 9, 1982, at the time the subdivision or subdivisions which created such authority act pursuant to division (B) of section 4582.201 of the Revised Code, the subdivision or subdivisions which create the port authority may restrict the powers granted the port authority pursuant to this chapter by specifically setting forth such restrictions in the resolution or ordinance creating the port authority or in the resolution or ordinance adopted pursuant to division (B) of section 4582.201 of the Revised Code.

(C) The subdivision or subdivisions which created a port authority whose powers have been restricted pursuant to division (B) of this section may, at any time, adopt a resolution or ordinance to grant additional powers, so long as the powers so granted do not exceed the powers permitted pursuant to this chapter.

Effective Date: 05-17-2000

Effective Date: 05-17-2000

(A) Any municipal corporation, township, county, or other political subdivision creating or participating in the creation of a port authority in accordance with section 4582.22 of the Revised Code may appropriate and expend public funds to finance or subsidize the operation and authorized purposes of the port authority.

(B) Subject to making due provisions for payment and performance of its obligations, a port authority may be dissolved by the subdivision or subdivisions creating it, and in such event the properties of the port authority shall be transferred to the subdivision creating it or, if created by more than one subdivision, to the subdivisions creating it in a manner agreed upon between the subdivisions prior to the dissolution of the port authority.

Effective Date: 05-17-2000

After a port authority has been created, any municipal corporation, township, county, or other political subdivision, acting by ordinance or resolution, which is contiguous to any municipal corporation, township, county, or other political subdivision which participated in the creation of such port authority or to any municipal corporation, township, county, or other political subdivision which proposes to join the port authority at the same time and is contiguous to any municipal corporation, township, county, or other political subdivision which participated in the creation of such port authority, may join such port authority, and thereupon the jurisdiction and territory of the port authority includes the municipal corporation, county, township, or other political subdivision so joining. If more than one such political subdivision is to be joined to the port authority at the same time, then each such ordinance or resolution shall designate the political subdivisions which are to be so joined. Any territory or municipal corporation not included in a port authority and which is annexed to a municipal corporation included within the jurisdiction and territory of a port authority shall, on such annexation and without further proceedings, be annexed to and be included in the jurisdiction and territory of the port authority. Before such political subdivision or subdivisions are joined to a port authority, other than by annexation to a municipal corporation, the political subdivision or subdivisions theretofore comprising such port authority shall agree upon the terms and conditions pursuant to which such political subdivision or subdivisions are to be joined. For all purposes of sections 4582.21 to 4582.59 of the Revised Code, such political subdivision or subdivisions shall be considered to have participated in the creation of such port authority, except that the initial term of any director of the port authority appointed by such a political subdivision shall be four years. After each ordinance or resolution proposing joinder to the port authority has become effective and the terms and conditions of joinder have been agreed to, the board of directors of the port authority shall by resolution either accept or reject such joinder. Such joinder shall be effective upon adoption of the resolution accepting such joinder, unless the port authority to which a political subdivision or subdivisions, including a county within which such port authority is located, are to be joined, has authority under section 4582.40 of the Revised Code to levy a tax on property within its jurisdiction, then such joinder shall not be effective until approved by the affirmative vote of a majority of the electors voting on the question of the joinder. If more than one political subdivision is to be joined to the port authority, then the electors of such subdivisions shall vote as a district and the majority affirmative vote shall be determined by the vote cast in such district as a whole. The election shall be called by the board of directors of the port authority and shall be held, canvassed, and certified in the manner provided for the submission of tax levies under section 5705.191 of the Revised Code except that the question appearing on the ballot shall read:

“Shall ….................................................................................................................. (Name or names of political subdivisions to be joined) be joined to …........................................................................................... port authority (Name) and the existing tax levy (levies) of such port authority (aggregating) .........mill per dollar of valuation be authorized to be levied against properties within …..................................................................................................................................”? (Name or names of political subdivisions to be joined)

If the question is approved the joinder becomes immediately effective and the port authority is authorized to extend the levy of such tax against all the taxable property within the political subdivision or political subdivisions which have been joined. If such question is approved at a general election, then the port authority may amend its budget and resolution adopted pursuant to section 5705.34 of the Revised Code and such levy shall be placed on the current tax list and duplicate and collected as other taxes are collected from all taxable property within the port authority including the political subdivision or political subdivisions joined as a result of the election.

Effective Date: 05-17-2000

A port authority created in accordance with section 4582.22 of the Revised Code shall be governed by a board of directors. Members of a board of directors of a port authority created by the exclusive action of a municipal corporation shall consist of the number of members it considers necessary and shall be appointed by the mayor with the advice and consent of the council. Members of a board of directors of a port authority created by the exclusive action of a township shall consist of such members as it considers necessary and shall be appointed by the township trustees of the township. Members of a board of directors of a port authority created by the exclusive action of a county shall consist of such members as it considers necessary and shall be appointed by the board of county commissioners of the county. Members of a board of directors of a port authority created by a combination of political subdivisions shall be divided among the political subdivisions in such proportions as the political subdivisions may agree and shall be appointed by the participating political subdivisions in the same manner as this section provides for the appointment of members by a political subdivision creating its own port authority. If a participating political subdivision is not authorized by section 4582.22 of the Revised Code to create its own port authority, the political subdivision’s elected legislative body, if the political subdivision has an elected legislative body, or the political subdivision’s elected official or officials who appoint the legislative body of the political subdivision shall appoint the members of a board of directors of a port authority that are to be appointed by that political subdivision. If the electors of a participating political subdivision do not elect either the legislative body of the political subdivision or the official or officials who appoint the legislative body of the political subdivision, the participating political subdivision may not appoint any member of a board of directors of a port authority. When a port authority is created by a combination of political subdivisions, the number of directors comprising the board shall be determined by agreement between the political subdivisions, which number may be changed from time to time by amendment of the agreement. The appointing body may at any time remove a director appointed by it for misfeasance, nonfeasance, or malfeasance in office.

A majority of the directors shall have been qualified electors of, or shall have had their businesses or places of employment in, one or more political subdivisions within the area of the jurisdiction of the port authority, for a period of at least three years next preceding their appointment.

The directors of any port authority first appointed shall serve staggered terms. Thereafter each successor shall serve for a term of four years, except that any person appointed to fill a vacancy shall be appointed to only the unexpired term and any director is eligible for reappointment.

The board of directors by rule may provide for the removal of a director who fails to attend three consecutive regular meetings of the board. If a director is so removed, a successor shall be appointed for the remaining term of the removed director in the same manner provided for the original appointment.

The directors shall elect one of their membership as chairperson and another as vice-chairperson, and shall designate their terms of office, and shall appoint a secretary who need not be a director. A majority of the board of directors shall constitute a quorum for purpose of holding a meeting of the board. The affirmative vote of a majority of a quorum shall be necessary for any action taken by the port authority unless the board of directors determines by rule to require a greater number of affirmative votes for particular actions to be taken by the port authority. No vacancy in the membership of the board shall impair the rights of a quorum to exercise all the rights and perform all the duties of the port authority.

Each member of the board of directors of a port authority shall be entitled to receive from the port authority such sum of money as the board of directors may determine as compensation for services as director and reimbursement for reasonable expenses in the performance of official duties.

Effective Date: 04-09-2003

In addition to any immunity from civil liability that is conferred upon a director by any other provision of the Revised Code or by decisions of Ohio or federal courts, no member of the board of directors of a port authority shall be personally liable for any monetary damages that arise from actions taken in the performance of his official duties, except for acts or omissions that are not in good faith or that involve intentional misconduct or a knowing violation of law, or any transaction from which the director derived an improper personal benefit.

Effective Date: 06-10-1987

(A) A port authority created in accordance with section 4582.22 of the Revised Code shall employ and fix the qualifications, duties, and compensation of any employees and enter into contracts for any professional services it may require to conduct the business of the port authority and may appoint an advisory board, which shall serve without compensation. Any employee may be suspended or dismissed, and any contract for professional services may be terminated at any time by the port authority.

(B) A port authority may provide for the administration and enforcement of the laws of the state by employing special police officers, and may seek the assistance of other appropriate law enforcement officers to enforce its rules and maintain order.

(C) Special police officers employed by a port authority shall serve as a police force with respect to the property, grounds, buildings, equipment, and facilities under the control of the port authority, to prevent hijacking of aircraft or watercraft, protect the property of the authority and the property of others located thereon, suppress nuisances and disturbances and breaches of the peace, and enforce laws and the rules of the port authority for the preservation of good order. In performing their duties, special police officers are vested with the same powers of arrest as police officers under section 2935.03 of the Revised Code.

Any person employed as a special police officer by a port authority is a “public employee” as defined in section 145.01 of the Revised Code and is not a “member of a police department” as defined in section 742.01 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 05-17-2000

(A) A port authority created under section 4582.22 of the Revised Code may procure and pay all or any part of the cost of group hospitalization, surgical, major medical, sickness and accident insurance, or group life insurance, or a combination of any of the foregoing types of insurance or coverage for employees and their families, issued by an insurance company duly authorized to do business in this state.

(B) A port authority also may procure and pay all or any part of the cost of a plan of group hospitalization, surgical, major medical, or sickness and accident insurance with a health insuring corporation holding a certificate of authority under Chapter 1751. of the Revised Code, provided that each employee shall be permitted to:

(1) Exercise an option between a plan offered by an insurance company as provided in division (A) of this section and a plan offered by a health insuring corporation under this division, on the condition that the employee shall pay any amount by which the cost of the plan offered in this division exceeds the cost of the plan offered under division (A) of this section; and

(2) Change from one of the two plans to the other at a time each year as determined by the port authority.

(C) A port authority may procure or contract for any type of insurance authorized by division (A) or (B) of this section on its own or jointly as part of a group with one or more other governmental units or agencies to provide that insurance for the employees of the members of the group and their families. A port authority also may establish and maintain an individual or joint self-insurance program for hospitalization, surgical, major medical, or sickness and accident insurance.

Effective Date: 05-17-2000

(A)(1) Except as otherwise provided in division (A)(2) or (3) of this section, the area of jurisdiction of a port authority created in accordance with section 4582.22 of the Revised Code shall include all of the territory of the political subdivision or subdivisions creating it and, if the port authority owns or leases a railroad line or airport, the territory on which the railroad’s line, terminals, and related facilities or the airport’s runways, terminals, and related facilities are located, regardless of whether the territory is located in the political subdivision or subdivisions creating the port authority.

(2) A municipal corporation with a population of at least one hundred thousand according to the most recent federal decennial census may create a port authority within a county that previously created an existing port authority, if the municipal corporation did not join with the county in creating the port authority or thereafter join that port authority. The newly created port authority and the previously created and existing port authority shall possess concurrent jurisdiction over any territory within the jurisdiction of both.

(3) A county may create a port authority the area of jurisdiction of which excludes any territory that is located in that county and is in the area of jurisdiction of any port authority created in accordance with section 4582.02 or 4582.22 of the Revised Code that is then existing in the county.

(B)(1) Except as provided in division (B)(2) or (3) of this section, a political subdivision that has created a port authority or joined an existing port authority shall not be included in any other port authority.

(2) A municipal corporation with a population of less than one hundred thousand according to the most recent federal decennial census that has joined an existing port authority in a county with a population of five hundred thousand or less may create a port authority within the territorial jurisdiction of the municipal corporation.

(3) A municipal corporation and a county jointly may create a new port authority if both of the following apply:

(a) The municipal corporation created a port authority after July 9, 1982, and that port authority operates an airport;

(b) The county joined a port authority after July 9, 1982, and that port authority operated an airport.

Effective Date: 03-14-2003

(A) A port authority created in accordance with section 4582.22 of the Revised Code may:

(1) Adopt bylaws for the regulation of its affairs and the conduct of its business;

(2) Adopt an official seal;

(3) Maintain a principal office within its jurisdiction, and maintain such branch offices as it may require;

(4) Acquire, construct, furnish, equip, maintain, repair, sell, exchange, lease to or from, or lease with an option to purchase, convey other interests in real or personal property, or any combination thereof, related to, useful for, or in furtherance of any authorized purpose and operate any property in connection with transportation, recreational, governmental operations, or cultural activities;

(5) Straighten, deepen, and improve any channel, river, stream, or other water course or way which may be necessary or proper in the development of the facilities of a port authority;

(6) Make available the use or services of any port authority facility to one or more persons, one or more governmental agencies, or any combination thereof;

(7) Issue bonds or notes for the acquisition, construction, furnishing, or equipping of any port authority facility or other permanent improvement that a port authority is authorized to acquire, construct, furnish, or equip, in compliance with Chapter 133. of the Revised Code, except that such bonds or notes may only be issued pursuant to a vote of the electors residing within the area of jurisdiction of the port authority. The net indebtedness incurred by a port authority shall never exceed two per cent of the total value of all property within the territory comprising the port authority as listed and assessed for taxation.

(8) Issue port authority revenue bonds beyond the limit of bonded indebtedness provided by law, payable solely from revenues as provided in section 4582.48 of the Revised Code, for the purpose of providing funds to pay the costs of any port authority facility or facilities or parts thereof;

(9) Apply to the proper authorities of the United States pursuant to appropriate law for the right to establish, operate, and maintain foreign trade zones and establish, operate, and maintain foreign trade zones and to acquire, exchange, sell, lease to or from, lease with an option to purchase, or operate facilities, land, or property therefor in accordance with the “Foreign Trade Zones Act,” 48 Stat. 998 (1934), 19 U.S.C. 81a to 81u;

(10) Enjoy and possess the same rights, privileges, and powers granted municipal corporations under sections 721.04 to 721.11 of the Revised Code;

(11) Maintain such funds as it considers necessary;

(12) Direct its agents or employees, when properly identified in writing, and after at least five days’ written notice, to enter upon lands within the confines of its jurisdiction in order to make surveys and examinations preliminary to location and construction of works for the purposes of the port authority, without liability of the port authority or its agents or employees except for actual damage done;

(13) Promote, advertise, and publicize the port authority and its facilities; provide information to shippers and other commercial interests; and appear before rate-making authorities to represent and promote the interests of the port authority;

(14) Adopt rules, not in conflict with general law, it finds necessary or incidental to the performance of its duties and the execution of its powers under sections 4582.21 to 4582.54 of the Revised Code. Any such rule shall be posted at no less than five public places in the port authority, as determined by the board of directors, for a period of not fewer than fifteen days, and shall be available for public inspection at the principal office of the port authority during regular business hours. No person shall violate any lawful rule adopted and posted as provided in this division.

(15) Do any of the following, in regard to any interests in any real or personal property, or any combination thereof, including, without limitation, machinery, equipment, plants, factories, offices, and other structures and facilities related to, useful for, or in furtherance of any authorized purpose, for such consideration and in such manner, consistent with Article VIII of the Ohio Constitution, as the board in its sole discretion may determine:

(a) Loan moneys to any person or governmental entity for the acquisition, construction, furnishing, and equipping of the property;

(b) Acquire, construct, maintain, repair, furnish, and equip the property;

(c) Sell to, exchange with, lease, convey other interests in, or lease with an option to purchase the same or any lesser interest in the property to the same or any other person or governmental entity;

(d) Guarantee the obligations of any person or governmental entity.

A port authority may accept and hold as consideration for the conveyance of property or any interest therein such property or interests therein as the board in its discretion may determine, notwithstanding any restrictions that apply to the investment of funds by a port authority.

(16) Sell, lease, or convey other interests in real and personal property, and grant easements or rights-of-way over property of the port authority. The board of directors shall specify the consideration and any terms for the sale, lease, or conveyance of other interests in real and personal property. Any determination made by the board under this division shall be conclusive. The sale, lease, or conveyance may be made without advertising and the receipt of bids.

(17) Exercise the right of eminent domain to appropriate any land, rights, rights-of-way, franchises, easements, or other property, necessary or proper for any authorized purpose, pursuant to the procedure provided in sections 163.01 to 163.22 of the Revised Code, if funds equal to the appraised value of the property to be acquired as a result of such proceedings are available for that purpose. However, nothing contained in sections 4582.201 to 4582.59 of the Revised Code shall authorize a port authority to take or disturb property or facilities belonging to any agency or political subdivision of this state, public utility, or common carrier, which property or facilities are necessary and convenient in the operation of the agency or political subdivision, public utility, or common carrier, unless provision is made for the restoration, relocation, or duplication of such property or facilities, or upon the election of the agency or political subdivision, public utility, or common carrier, for the payment of compensation, if any, at the sole cost of the port authority, provided that:

(a) If any restoration or duplication proposed to be made under this section involves a relocation of the property or facilities, the new facilities and location shall be of at least comparable utilitarian value and effectiveness and shall not impair the ability of the public utility or common carrier to compete in its original area of operation;

(b) If any restoration or duplication made under this section involves a relocation of the property or facilities, the port authority shall acquire no interest or right in or to the appropriated property or facilities, except as provided in division (O) of this section, until the relocated property or facilities are available for use and until marketable title thereto has been transferred to the public utility or common carrier.

(18)(a) Make and enter into all contracts and agreements and execute all instruments necessary or incidental to the performance of its duties and the execution of its powers under sections 4582.21 to 4582.59 of the Revised Code.

(b) Except as provided in division (A)(18)(c) of this section, when the cost of a contract for the construction of any building, structure, or other improvement undertaken by a port authority involves an expenditure exceeding twenty-five thousand dollars, and the port authority is the contracting entity, the port authority shall make a written contract after notice calling for bids for the award of the contract has been given by publication twice, with at least seven days between publications, in a newspaper of general circulation in the area of the port authority. Each such contract shall be let to the lowest responsive and responsible bidder in accordance with section 9.312 of the Revised Code. Every contract shall be accompanied by or shall refer to plans and specifications for the work to be done, prepared for and approved by the port authority, signed by an authorized officer of the port authority and by the contractor, and shall be executed in triplicate.

Each bid shall be awarded in accordance with sections 153.54, 153.57, and 153.571 of the Revised Code. The port authority may reject any and all bids.

(c) The board of directors by rule may provide criteria for the negotiation and award without competitive bidding of any contract as to which the port authority is the contracting entity for the construction of any building or structure or other improvement under any of the following circumstances:

(i) There exists a real and present emergency that threatens damage or injury to persons or property of the port authority or other persons, provided that a statement specifying the nature of the emergency that is the basis for the negotiation and award of a contract without competitive bidding shall be signed by the officer of the port authority that executes that contract at the time of the contract’s execution and shall be attached to the contract.

(ii) A commonly recognized industry or other standard or specification does not exist and cannot objectively be articulated for the improvement.

(iii) The contract is for any energy conservation measure as defined in section 307.041 of the Revised Code.

(iv) With respect to material to be incorporated into the improvement, only a single source or supplier exists for the material.

(v) A single bid is received by the port authority after complying with the provisions of division (A)(18)(b) of this section.

(d)(i) If a contract is to be negotiated and awarded without competitive bidding for the reason set forth in division (A)(18)(c)(ii) of this section, the port authority shall publish a notice calling for technical proposals at least twice, with at least seven days between publications, in a newspaper of general circulation in the area of the port authority. After receipt of the technical proposals, the port authority may negotiate with and award a contract for the improvement to the proposer making the proposal considered to be the most advantageous to the port authority.

(ii) If a contract is to be negotiated and awarded without competitive bidding for the reason set forth in division (A)(18)(c)(iv) of this section, any construction activities related to the incorporation of the material into the improvement also may be provided without competitive bidding by the source or supplier of that material.

(e)(i) Any purchase, exchange, sale, lease, lease with an option to purchase, conveyance of other interests in, or other contract with a person or governmental entity that pertains to the acquisition, construction, maintenance, repair, furnishing, equipping, or operation of any real or personal property, or any combination thereof, related to, useful for, or in furtherance of an activity contemplated by Section 13 or 16 of Article VIII, Ohio Constitution, shall be made in such manner and subject to such terms and conditions as may be determined by the board of directors in its discretion.

(ii) Division (A)(18)(e)(i) of this section applies to all contracts that are subject to the division, notwithstanding any other provision of law that might otherwise apply, including, without limitation, any requirement of notice, any requirement of competitive bidding or selection, or any requirement for the provision of security.

(iii) Divisions (A)(18)(e)(i) and (ii) of this section do not apply to either of the following:

any contract secured by or to be paid from moneys raised by taxation or the proceeds of obligations secured by a pledge of moneys raised by taxation;

or any contract secured exclusively by or to be paid exclusively from the general revenues of the port authority. For the purposes of this section, any revenues derived by the port authority under a lease or other agreement that, by its terms, contemplates the use of amounts payable under the agreement either to pay the costs of the improvement that is the subject of the contract or to secure obligations of the port authority issued to finance costs of such improvement, are excluded from general revenues.

(19) Employ managers, superintendents, and other employees and retain or contract with consulting engineers, financial consultants, accounting experts, architects, attorneys, and any other consultants and independent contractors as are necessary in its judgment to carry out this chapter, and fix the compensation thereof. All expenses thereof shall be payable from any available funds of the port authority or from funds appropriated for that purpose by a political subdivision creating or participating in the creation of the port authority.

(20) Receive and accept from any state or federal agency grants and loans for or in aid of the construction of any port authority facility or for research and development with respect to port authority facilities, and receive and accept aid or contributions from any source of money, property, labor, or other things of value, to be held, used, and applied only for the purposes for which the grants and contributions are made;

(21) Engage in research and development with respect to port authority facilities;

(22) Purchase fire and extended coverage and liability insurance for any port authority facility and for the principal office and branch offices of the port authority, insurance protecting the port authority and its officers and employees against liability for damage to property or injury to or death of persons arising from its operations, and any other insurance the port authority may agree to provide under any resolution authorizing its port authority revenue bonds or in any trust agreement securing the same;

(23) Charge, alter, and collect rentals and other charges for the use or services of any port authority facility as provided in section 4582.43 of the Revised Code;

(24) Provide coverage for its employees under Chapters 145., 4123., and 4141. of the Revised Code;

(25) Do all acts necessary or proper to carry out the powers expressly granted in sections 4582.21 to 4582.59 of the Revised Code.

(B) Any instrument by which real property is acquired pursuant to this section shall identify the agency of the state that has the use and benefit of the real property as specified in section 5301.012 of the Revised Code.

(C) Whoever violates division (A)(14) of this section is guilty of a minor misdemeanor.

Effective Date: 01-01-2004

Effective Date: 04-05-2001

The port authority shall foster and encourage the participation of private enterprise in the development of the port facilities to the fullest extent it considers practicable in the interest of limiting the necessity of construction and operation of the facilities by the port authority.

Effective Date: 05-17-2000

Nothing contained in sections 4582.25 to 4582.59 of the Revised Code shall:

(A) Impair the provisions of law or ordinance directing the payment of revenues derived from public property into sinking funds or dedicating those revenues to specific purposes;

(B) Impair the powers of any county, municipal corporation, or other political subdivision to develop or improve port and terminal facilities except as restricted by section 4582.42 of the Revised Code;

(C) Enlarge, alter, diminish, or affect in any way, any lease or conveyance made, or action taken prior to the creation of a port authority in accordance with section 4582.22 of the Revised Code by any municipal corporation under the provisions of sections 721.04 to 721.11 of the Revised Code, or by any county under the provisions of section 307.65 of the Revised Code;

(D) Impair or interfere with the exercise of any permit for the removal of sand or gravel, or other similar permits issued by this state or the United States;

(E) Impair or contravene applicable federal regulations.

Effective Date: 05-17-2000

No port authority shall enter into any contract for construction or repair of any port authority facility and no loan agreement for the borrowing of funds for any such port authority facility undertaken by a port authority shall be executed unless laborers and mechanics employed on the facility are paid at the prevailing rates of wages of laborers and mechanics for the class of work called for by the facility, which wages shall be determined in accordance with the requirements of Chapter 4115. of the Revised Code for determination of prevailing wage rates, provided that the requirements of this section do not apply where the federal government or any of its agencies furnishes by loan or grant all or any part of the funds used in connection with the facility and prescribes predetermined minimum wages to be paid to the laborers and mechanics; and provided further that should a nonpublic user beneficiary of the facility undertake construction to be performed by its regular bargaining unit employees who are covered under a collective bargaining agreement that was in existence prior to the commitment instrument undertaking a loan or grant of funds then, in that event, the rate of pay provided under the collective bargaining agreement may be paid to such employees.

Except as provided in this section, construction on any port authority facility to which this section applies is hereby deemed to be construction of a public improvement within section 4115.03 of the Revised Code. All contractors and subcontractors working on such projects, facilities, or port authority facilities shall be subject to and comply with sections 4115.03 to 4115.16 of the Revised Code, and the director of commerce shall, and any interested party may, bring proceedings under those sections to enforce compliance. The director shall make the determination of wages as required under this section and shall designate one of the director’s employees to act as the prevailing wage coordinator under section 4115.071 of the Revised Code for any project, facility, or port authority facility for which a coordinator has not been designated by any port authority.

Effective Date: 07-01-2000

The legislative authority of any municipal corporation, county, township, school district, or other political subdivision or taxing district, may convey or lease to or from, lease with an option to purchase, or exchange with, any port authority or any port authority may convey or lease to or from, lease with an option to purchase, or exchange with, a municipal corporation, county, township, school district, or other political subdivision or taxing district, without competitive bidding and on mutually agreeable terms, any personal property or real property, or any interest therein, that is not needed for the purposes of the grantor, or lessor, to be used by the recipient or lessee for its purposes.

Effective Date: 05-17-2000

The board of directors of a port authority created in accordance with section 4582.22 of the Revised Code shall annually prepare a budget for the port authority.

Rents and charges received by the port authority shall be used for the general expenses of the port authority and to pay interest, amortization, and retirement charges on money borrowed. If there remains, at the end of any calendar year, any surplus of such funds after providing for the above uses, the board of directors may pay such surplus into the general funds of the political subdivisions creating and comprising the port authority in proportion to the taxable value of all property within the port authority which shall be listed on the general tax lists for the respective subdivisions.

Effective Date: 07-09-1982

Upon the affirmative vote in a primary or general election of at least a majority of the qualified electors within the port authority voting at an election held for the purpose, the port authority may levy upon the property within its jurisdiction a tax, for all purposes including bond debt charges, not in excess of one mill annually on the total value of all property as listed and assessed for taxation for any period not exceeding five years, except that when the tax is for the payment of bond debt charges, such tax shall be for the life of the bond indebtedness. On approval of such a levy, notes may be issued in anticipation of the collection of the proceeds of the tax levy, other than the proceeds to be received for the payment of bond debt charges, in the amount and manner and at the times as are provided in section 5705.193 of the Revised Code, for the issuance of notes by a county in anticipation of the proceeds of a tax levy. The port authority may borrow money in anticipation of the collection of current revenues as provided in section 133.10 of the Revised Code.

The board of directors of a port authority shall be the taxing authority under sections 133.10 and 5701.01 of the Revised Code.

Such tax shall be for the purpose of providing funds necessary for the port authority budget and shall be certified annually to the taxing authorities of the political subdivision or subdivisions within the port authority. The collection of the tax levy shall conform in all matters to the provisions of the Revised Code governing the collection of taxes and assessments levied by local taxing districts and the same provisions concerning the nonpayment of taxes shall apply to taxes levied pursuant to this section.

Effective Date: 10-30-1989

A port authority that is created by the exclusive action of a municipal corporation and located within an existing port authority created by a county may levy a tax under section 4582.40 of the Revised Code only if the existing port authority created by the county has no such tax levy in effect. Unless the existing port authority created by the county subsequently levies a tax under section 4582.40 of the Revised Code, one-half of the proceeds, or such percentage as is agreed to by the boards of both port authorities, from any tax levied under the authority of this section by a municipal port authority shall be distributed to the existing port authority created by the county within which the municipal port authority is located, to be used by the existing port authority created by the county for the purposes established under section 4582.40 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 07-18-1990

Before receiving any moneys, the secretary of a port authority created in accordance with section 4582.22 of the Revised Code shall furnish bond in such amount as shall be determined by the port authority, with sureties satisfactory to it, and all funds coming into the hands of said secretary shall be deposited by him to the account of the port authority in one or more such depositories as shall be qualified to receive deposits of county funds, which deposits shall be secured in the same manner as county funds are required to be secured. No disbursements shall be made from such funds except in accordance with rules adopted by the port authority.

Effective Date: 07-09-1982

No municipal corporation or county creating or participating in the creation of a port authority in accordance with section 4582.22 of the Revised Code may, during the time the port authority is in existence, exercise the rights and powers provided in sections 307.65 or 721.04 to 721.11 of the Revised Code.

Effective Date: 07-09-1982

A port authority may charge, alter, and collect rentals or other charges for the use or services of any port authority facility and contract in the manner provided by this section with one or more persons, one or more governmental agencies, or any combination thereof, desiring the use or services of the facility, and fix the terms, conditions, rentals, or other charges for the use or services. If the services are furnished in the jurisdiction of the port authority by a public utility or a common carrier, charges by the port authority for the services shall not be less than the charges established for the same services furnished by a public utility or common carrier in the port authority jurisdiction. The rentals or other charges shall not be subject to supervision or regulation by any other authority, commission, board, bureau, or agency of the state and the contract may provide for acquisition by the person or governmental agency of all or any part of the port authority facility for such consideration payable over the period of the contract or otherwise as the port authority in its sole discretion determines to be appropriate, but subject to the provisions of any resolution authorizing the issuance of port authority revenue bonds or any trust agreement securing the bonds. Any governmental agency that has power to construct, operate, and maintain port authority facilities may enter into a contract or lease with a port authority whereby the use or services of any port authority facility will be made available to the governmental agency, and may pay for the use or services rentals or other charges as may be agreed to by the port authority and the governmental agency.

Any governmental agency or combination of governmental agencies may cooperate with the port authority in the acquisition or construction of port authority facilities and shall enter into such agreements with the port authority as may be appropriate, with a view to effective cooperative action and safeguarding of the respective interests of the parties thereto, which agreements shall provide for contributions by the parties thereto in a proportion as may be agreed upon and other terms as may be mutually satisfactory to the parties including, without limitation, the authorization of the construction of the facility by one of the parties acting as agent for all of the parties and the ownership and control of the facility by the port authority to the extent necessary or appropriate. Any governmental agency may provide the funds for the payment of any contribution required under such agreements by the levy of taxes or assessments if otherwise authorized by the laws governing the governmental agency in the construction of the type of port authority facility provided for in the agreements, and may pay the proceeds from the collection of the taxes or assessments; or the governmental agency may issue bonds or notes, if authorized by those laws, in anticipation of the collection of the taxes or assessments, and may pay the proceeds of the bonds or notes to the port authority pursuant to such agreements. In addition, any governmental agency may provide the funds for the payment of a contribution by the appropriation of money or, if otherwise authorized by law, by the issuance of bonds or notes and may pay the appropriated money or the proceeds of the bonds or notes to the port authority pursuant to such agreements. The agreement by the governmental agency to provide a contribution, whether from appropriated money or from the proceeds of taxes or assessments, or bonds or notes, or any combination thereof, shall not be subject to Chapter 133. of the Revised Code or any rules or limitations contained therein. The proceeds from the collection of taxes or assessments, and any interest earned thereon, shall be paid into a special fund immediately upon the collection thereof by the governmental agency for the purpose of providing the contribution at the times required under such agreements.

When the contribution of any governmental agency is to be made over a period of time from the proceeds of the collection of special assessments, the interest accrued and to accrue before the first installment of the assessments is collected, which is payable by the governmental agency on the contribution under the terms and provisions of the agreements, shall be treated as part of the cost of the improvement for which the assessments are levied, and that portion of the assessments that is collected in installments shall bear interest at the same rate as the governmental agency is obligated to pay on the contribution under the terms and provisions of the agreements and for the same period of time as the contribution is to be made under the agreements. If the assessment or any installment thereof is not paid when due, it shall bear interest until the payment thereof at the same rate as the contribution and the county auditor shall annually place on the tax list and duplicate the interest applicable to the assessment and the penalty thereon as otherwise authorized by law.

Any governmental agency, pursuant to a favorable vote of the electors in an election held before or after July 9, 1982, for the purpose of issuing bonds to provide funds to acquire, construct, or equip, or provide real estate and interests in real estate for, a port authority facility, whether or not the governmental agency, at the time of the election, had the authority to pay the proceeds from the bonds or notes issued in anticipation of the bonds to the port authority as provided in this section, may issue such bonds or notes in anticipation of the issuance of the bonds and pay the proceeds of the bonds or notes to the port authority in accordance with its agreement with the port authority; provided, that the legislative authority of the governmental agency finds and determines that the port authority facility to be acquired or constructed by the port authority in cooperation with the governmental agency will serve the same public purpose and meet substantially the same public need as the facility otherwise proposed to be acquired or constructed by the governmental agency with the proceeds of the bonds and notes.

Effective Date: 05-17-2000

(A) A port authority may enter into any contracts or other arrangements with the United States government, or any department thereof, with persons, railroads, or other corporations, with public corporations, with public utilities, and with the state government of this or any other state, with counties, municipalities, townships, or other governmental agencies created by or under the authority of the laws of this state or other states, including sewerage, drainage, conservation, conservancy, or other improvement districts in this or other states or the governments or agencies of foreign countries as may be necessary or convenient for the exercise of the powers granted by sections 4582.21 to 4582.59 of the Revised Code, including the making of surveys, investigations, or reports thereon; provided that the contracts or arrangements shall not be in violation of Section 13 or 16 of Article VIII, Ohio Constitution. The port authority may purchase, lease, or acquire land or other property in any county of this state and in adjoining states for the accomplishment of authorized purposes of the port authority, or for the improvement of the harbor and port facilities over which the port authority may have jurisdiction, and may let contracts or spend money for those purposes, including development of port facilities in adjoining states. The authority granted in this section to enter into contracts or other arrangements with the United States government or any department thereof, includes the power to enter into any contracts, arrangements, or agreements that may be necessary to hold and save harmless the United States from damages due to the construction and maintenance by the United States of work the United States undertakes.

Any political subdivision that has participated in the creation of a port authority, or is within, or adjacent to a political subdivision that is within, the jurisdiction of a port authority, may enter into an agreement, which may be amended or supplemented, with the port authority to accomplish any of the authorized purposes of the port authority. The agreement may set forth the extent to which the port authority shall act as the agent of the political subdivision.

(B) A port authority may enter into an agreement with one or more contracting subdivisions, whereby the port authority or any contracting subdivision undertakes, and is authorized by the port authority or any contracting subdivision, to exercise any power, perform any function, or render any service, on behalf of the port authority or a contracting subdivision, which the port authority or the contracting subdivision is authorized to exercise, perform, or render.

Upon the execution of such an agreement, and within the limitations prescribed by the agreement, the port