Seaport Operations
In 1955, the State of Ohio enacted the Port Authority Act in order to take advantage of the newly created St. Lawrence Seaway system which allowed access to the Great Lakes from the Atlantic Ocean. Within days of its passage, civic leaders in Toledo created the Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority. Founded on July 18, 1955, it was the first port authority in Ohio.

Airport Operations
The City of Toledo leased Toledo Express Airport and Toledo Executive Airport (formerly Metcalf Field) to the Port Authority in 1973. At that point the Port Authority assumed responsibility for day to day operations of both facilities. Since that time, the Port Authority has simultaneously expanded both facilities and added major cargo operations at Toledo Express Airport.

Financing Operations
In 1988, the Port Authority entered the business finance arena. The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority has developed a national reputation for innovative business financing, assisting close to 300 economic development projects representing a total investment of more than $1 billion while helping to create and retain more than 15,000 jobs. The Toledo-Lucas County Port Authority operates the Northwest Ohio Bond Fund.

Surface Transportation
The Port Authority acquired Central Union Terminal from Conrail in 1994. One of the last union stations constructed in the United States, the station had fallen into disrepair. The Port Authority undertook a $3.1 million renovation and Central Union Plaza was rededicated in 1996. The station’s name was changed to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Plaza in 2001.