The Port Authority has two primary responsibilities: facilitation of cargo movement on the Ohio River, and promotion of economic development in Columbiana County.

To help facilitate cargo movement on the Ohio River, the Port Authority completed construction on the Wellsville Intermodal Facility in 2015. Owned by the Port Authority, this facility allows for the seamless transfer of cargo from multiple modes of transportation (river, rail, highway).  

The Port Authority is involved in many activities aimed at promoting economic development in Columbiana County. Among those activities, the Port owns and leases certain properties to businesses, is involved in the development of trade parks in the county, and is available to assist businesses and local government with funding opportunities, financing, other incentives, and grants.