The broad powers of a port authority make it a useful tool for economic and other development purposes. Under Ohio law,  port authorities are authorized to, among other things:

• acquire real and personal property;
• own, lease, sell, and construct improvements to real property;
• issue revenue bonds for port authority facilities;
• issue voted general obligation bonds for port authority facilities and other permanent improvements;
• levy voted taxes for all purposes of the port authority;
• receive federal and state grants and loans and other public funds;
• operate transportation, recreation, governmental or cultural facilities, and set rates and charges for use of port authority facilities;
• cooperate broadly with other governmental agencies and exercise powers delegated by such agencies;
• accept assignments of TIF service payments and special assessments;
• maintain confidentiality within statutory limits for private enterprises;
• establish and operate foreign trade zones;
• appropriate property for public use, convey or lease property to (and accept or lease from and exchange with) other governmental  units;
• and straighten, deepen, and improve channels, rivers, streams or other water courses.