LORAIN — It’s only been operating for a few months, but the Jet Express shuttle is getting a terminal at Black River Landing thanks to a $475,000 grant arranged by U.S. Rep. Betty Sutton, D-Copley Township. The project will include the development of a terminal with restrooms, waiting areas, ticketing and administrative offices. Funding will also provide lighting and security, dock improvements and parking.

The Jet Express travels to the Lake Erie islands and shuttles fans to Cleveland Browns games.

Work on the terminal will start in the spring, according to a Sutton spokeswoman. The earmark to the Lorain Port Authority from the Department of Transportation’s Federal Highway Administration covers 100 percent of the cost of the project, she said.

The Lorain Port Authority owns a 51 percent interest in the 147-passenger shuttle, while the Put-in-Bay Boat Line Co. owns the remaining 49 percent and operates the business.

Ben Fligner, chairman of the Lorain Port Authority board, said the Port Authority “will really be able to turn the port into a center of activity and main transportation hub to get people up and down the county. Any time you get multiple people coming down to an area, it will attract business to that area. For the first time ever, we’re promoting regional cooperation here. This is just fantastic.”

Contact Cindy Leise at 329-7245 or cleise@chroniclet.com.

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