​About.

Under Ohio law, a port authority can participate in activities that enhance, foster, aid, provide, or promote transportation, economic development, housing, recreation, education, governmental operations, culture, or research.  A port authority can finance, own, or lease land, buildings, and equipment.

Port authorities derive their authority from Chapter 4582 of the Ohio Revised Code.  Ohio law allows for both old (in existence before July 9th 1982) and new (established after July 9th 1982) but both have similar powers and are required to "foster and encourage the participation of private enterprise in development of port authority facilities to the fullest extent it considers feasible."  Most of the port authorities in Ohio are considered 'new' port authorities either because of when they were established or they have taken action as a port to convert to the new legal framework.
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Established in 2007

The Blanchard Valley Port Authority (BVPA) was created in November, 2007 by action of the City of Findlay Council and the Board of Hancock County Commissioners. Once created, the BVPA is a separate, independent unit of local government and not part of the state, county, or city governments.

Since 2009, the BVPA has been involved in 16 projects.  Thirteen involved the issuance of $241,430,000 in bonds.  Three significant projects did not involve the issuance of bonds: the 2013 transfer of the former Central Middle School Auditorium from Findlay City Schools to the Marathon Center for the Performing Arts; the 2014 McLane $38 million project; and the 2019 North Star BlueScope $80 million project.

Our Mission

Supporting Regional Economic Growth.

Our Purpose

To improve regional economic health through the retention and creation of jobs via private and public investments.

Our Vision

The vision of the BVPA is to improve the economic health of the Hancock County area through the retention and creation of jobs and injection of private capital investments, and to provide assistance to private and public entities using all elements of the Ohio Port Authority Act and the Ohio Constitution.

Our Partners

Hancock County Commissioners