By John Kiesewetter
The Cincinnati Enquirer

HAMILTON - Talks between Butler County commissioners and Hamilton city officials about creating a port authority to spur development could expand.

"It should be regionalized. It should be countywide," Commissioner Chuck Furmon said at a commissioners' staff meeting Monday.

City and township officials and their economic development specialists will be invited to a countywide meeting next month to learn about the proposal, said Derek Conklin, Butler County administrator.

Commissioners on Monday considered a broad range of options for creating a port authority, as 31 other Ohio communities have done. Cincinnati and Hamilton County, Cleveland, Toledo, Lorain, Ashtabula, Steubenville and Zanesville also have created similar agencies to construct, acquire or lease property involved with government operations, transportation, recreation or cultural activities.

"I've been wanting to do this for the county for years," said Commissioner Michael A. Fox, a former legislator. "Port authorities have been really effective tools in the communities that have them to promote economic development."

The Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority has assisted 22 development projects across Hamilton County, from the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center on the riverfront to the redevelopment of the former Forest Fair Mall in Fairfield and Forest Park.

In Butler County, a port authority office could be established by combining administrative functions with the Butler County Transportation Improvement District, commissioners said.

Greg Jolivette, a former legislator who was named commissioner two months ago, questioned whether a joint office was a good idea. "We're at a critical point with the TID functions, but can this marriage work?" he asked.

Later in the day, the proposed combination won the endorsement of Hamilton City Manager Mike Samoviski, a former transportation district director.

"You could share staff. I think it makes some sense," Samoviski said.

Hamilton and Butler County officials have talked about establishing a port authority to spur downtown Hamilton redevelopment. In recent weeks, Middletown officials also have expressed an interest.

Participating communities could be asked to pay an initial fee as seed money for projects, commissioners said. Ohio law also gives port authorities power to seek tax levies for construction bonds.

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E-mail jkiesewetter@enquirer.com