By John Kiesewetter
The Cincinnati Enquirer

HAMILTON - With strong support from Hamilton and Middletown, county commissioners created a Butler County Port Authority on Thursday to spur economic development.

The county became the 32nd Ohio community to establish such an agency, which can construct, lease or acquire property involved with government operations, transportation, recreation or cultural activities.

"The city of Hamilton is very excited about the potential of a port authority," said Chris Flaig, a Hamilton council member.

Hamilton last month agreed to pay up to $250,000 in start-up costs requested by commissioners. Middletown also is willing to contribute, said Ron Olson, city manager.

In Hamilton County, the Port of Greater Cincinnati Development Authority has assisted in 22 projects, from the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center downtown to the redevelopment of Forest Fair Mall as Cincinnati Mills in Fairfield and Forest Park.

In the city of Hamilton, a port authority could assist in the redevelopment of old Mercy Hospital and the Mercantile Building on High Street, said Mike Samoviski, city manager.

The new agency also could help build a baseball stadium if local investors acquire a minor-league franchise, he said.

Middletown could use a port authority's low-cost financing to revitalize old or vacant factories, commercial buildings and brownfield sites, Olson said.

But not everyone has been as enthusiastic about commissioners' plans. Fairfield, West Chester, Monroe, Trenton and Madison Township refused to fund the port authority.

Jose Alvarez, West Chester Township trustee, said he was not convinced that giving $250,000 to the county was in the township's best interest.

On Thursday, commissioners said the port authority would have jurisdiction countywide - unless any municipality or township requested by June 30 to be excluded.

Cities, villages and townships could participate without any financial obligation, said Commissioner Michael A. Fox, a major supporter of the port authority.The port authority will not have the power to levy taxes, Fox said.

Commissioners by the end of July will appoint a seven-person board, which will hire an executive director, said Derek Conklin, county administrator. The board will have wide representation from throughout the county, said Chuck Furmon, commission president.

Furmon said the port authority could work closely with the Butler County Transportation Improvement District on some highway projects.

"It has a lot of potential. I think it will be a good fit," Furmon said.

E-mail jkiesewetter@enquirer.com