Port Clinton to Begin $2.9 Million Shoreline Repair Project to Address Erosion and Flooding Risks
PORT CLINTON, Ohio – The city of Port Clinton is preparing to embark on a significant $2.9 million project to improve the shoreline along the north side of W. Lakeshore Drive. This initiative comes in response to increasing erosion and flood risks that have threatened both the safety of the area’s infrastructure and the future of local businesses and events.
City leaders, including Mayor Mike Snider, have long recognized the deteriorating condition of the revetment—a structure of piled rocks that has served as a barrier between the road and Lake Erie for over 80 years. Despite its longevity, the revetment has struggled to withstand the effects of rising water levels and powerful storms, most notably the northerly storm of 2021, which caused significant damage.
During that storm, high winds and aggressive waves flooded businesses, parks, and even disrupted the renowned Walleye Festival. Rocks were scattered across Lakeshore Drive, and the road itself suffered severe erosion, prompting temporary closures.
“The 80-year-old revetment, which once stood as a sturdy barrier, simply could not hold up to the magnitude of the storm,” Mayor Snider explained. “There was undercutting of the road, and we had rocks all over the place. It became clear that urgent action was needed.”
In response, city officials have developed a comprehensive plan to shore up the area’s infrastructure. The new project will involve the installation of rock channels and slope protection, along with erosion control upgrades, to better safeguard the area from future storms and fluctuating lake levels.
The updated revetment will not be a massive wall, but rather a strategically designed structure about 30 to 36 inches in height, intended to keep water and ice from encroaching on nearby properties. According to Snider, the goal is to create a sustainable solution without altering the natural aesthetics of the shoreline.
“We’re not building a wall,” Snider said. “It’s a smaller structure that will help mitigate the risks posed by high water and ice while maintaining the beauty of the area.”
The project is part of a broader effort to invest in the city’s infrastructure and ensure that Port Clinton remains resilient in the face of environmental challenges. The Port Clinton City Council voted unanimously in favor of the project, signaling strong support for the initiative.
Work is expected to begin after Labor Day, with crews working through the fall to complete the repairs. The city is hopeful that these improvements will not only protect its shoreline but will also allow businesses and residents to recover from past disruptions, ensuring that Port Clinton remains a thriving community.
As the city moves forward with these improvements, the mayor emphasized the need for ongoing maintenance to prevent similar problems from arising in the future.
“Let’s hope it doesn’t take another 80 years for something like this to happen again,” Snider added. “There needs to be continuous maintenance to ensure the city’s future is secure.”
With the project’s approval and plans now set into motion, the residents and businesses of Port Clinton are looking toward a safer, more stable future along their picturesque Lake Erie shoreline.
