Ohio and Erie Canalway accepting 2026 project letters of intent

The Ohio & Erie Canalway Association is accepting letters of intent for its 2026 Strategic Initiatives Program, which supports projects focused on conserving and developing natural, recreational, cultural and historic resources throughout the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area.

Letters of intent are due by 5 p.m. Feb. 13 to George Ebey at gebey@ohioeriecanal.org. The letter of intent is intended to provide a brief description of a proposed project so the association can determine whether it meets eligibility requirements and aligns with the program’s strategic initiatives before accepting full applications.

The association works with local partners throughout the National Heritage Area in Cuyahoga, Summit, Stark and Tuscarawas counties, plus a portion of Wayne County. Eligible applicants include State of Ohio political subdivisions, nonprofit organizations and other entities with projects that fall within the boundaries of the 110-mile heritage area.

The downloadable letter of intent, a map of the National Heritage Area, eligibility requirements and previously funded initiatives are available on the association’s website. Applicants who submit a letter of intent are required to attend an orientation session the week of Feb. 16.

Through the Strategic Initiatives Program, more than $19 million has been awarded to projects, plans and programs within the heritage area and matched with more than $355 million from private, local, state and other nonfederal funding sources. The association said the funding has supported projects including construction of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, America’s Byway and visitor services throughout the canalway.

For questions about the program or project proposals, contact Ebey, the association’s strategic initiatives program coordinator, at 330-374-5657 or gebey@ohioeriecanal.org.