LISBON, Ohio – A new bill signed into law this month by Gov. Mike DeWine is aimed at developing the Ohio River, ensuring the state takes advantage of it as both a recreational and economic asset.
Penny Traina, executive director of the Columbiana County Port Authority, reported at the regular CCPA Board of Directors meeting Monday that House Bill 469, which created the Ohio River Commission, was amended into Senate Bill 54 and signed by DeWine on Jan. 2.
“It is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our partners and stakeholders along the Ohio River, from Columbiana County to Hamilton County, who all worked so tirelessly to bring this vision to life,” Traina said.
After the meeting, Traina said there is more tonnage moved on the Ohio River than on the lakes, including Lake Erie. She said there were 2 million tons of cargo moved in Columbiana County alone in 2023, according to the Army Corp of Engineers.
Among the commodities moved from the port authority are barite, soybeans, steel coils and molasses used in making animal feed.
The Ohio River Commission was created within the Department of Development to foster and promote economic development, marine cargo terminal operations, travel and tourism on the river and its tributaries.
“Until now, there was no agency in the state of Ohio to develop or promote the Ohio River as a driver of economic development and travel and tourism,” Traina said. “This new law will ensure that our state takes advantage of the Ohio River as both a recreational and economic asset.”
According to Traina, the commission will develop a plan for Ohio River infrastructure and transportation, coordinating with port authorities, local development districts, federal government and more.
Traina and Brittany Smith, assistant executive director of the port authority, received praise from board Chairman Charlie Presley for their efforts leading to a new business coming to the CCPA’s Industrial Building, which he said is “exactly what the port authority is for.”
Resolution Approved
The board approved a resolution to enter a lease agreement with Buckeye Trailers and Fab Co. Inc. for 71,397 square feet at the Cherry Fork, Leetonia, building, retroactive to Jan. 1 through Dec. 31, 2025.
The monthly cost will be $20,157.36, which includes utilities and maintenance costs.
The company manufactures commercial trailers used across the country in various market applications, specializing in trailers that carry anywhere from 12,000 to 50,000 pounds and varying in length from 30 to 53 feet.
The company was started on a farm outside the city of Salem in a 30-foot-by-22-foot pole building. In 2021, the company purchased a facility in Mechanicstown, Ohio, and had two full-time employees. It expanded to 30 employees within 18 months.
Traina told the board that Buckeye Trailers will be moving part of its operation from Mechanicstown and making renovations to the building it’s leasing from the CCPA. The company anticipates employing 25 employees the first year and adding an additional 25 the following year.
Other Business
The board also approved a lease agreement renewal with Humtown Pattern Co. for office No. 1 in the Global Investment Hub in the Leetonia Industrial Building.
The company will lease about 3,170 square feet and won’t pay rent for one year. But, as part of the GIH agreement, it will hire a Youngstown State University intern for an academic year.
The board welcomed new member David Bickerton, appointed by the Columbiana County commissioners to replace former member Keith Chamberlin, who commissioners chose not to reappoint.
Pictured at top: The view of the Ohio River from the Broadway Wharf in East Liverpool.