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Sep
27
Written by:
news editor
9/27/2012 1:00 AM
The OLEC administers Ohio’s Lake Erie Protection Fund, which was established to help finance research and implementation projects aimed Lake Erie and its watershed.
SANDUSKY, OH - The Ohio Lake Erie Commission (OLEC) administers Ohio’s Lake Erie Protection Fund, which was established to help finance research and implementation projects aimed at protecting, preserving and restoring Lake Erie and its watershed. The fund is supported by Ohioans who purchase a Lake Erie license plate displaying the Marblehead Lighthouse or the Toledo Harbor Lighthouse designed by Ohio artist Ben Richmond.
On Sept. 19, OLEC awarded the following two Lake Erie Protection Fund grant projects:
The University of Toledo was awarded $15,000 to quantify the benefits of implementing green stormwater infrastructure in the Western Lake Erie Basin, specifically at the University of Toledo’s main campus on the Ottawa River. The results of this effort will include a list of proposed stormwater retrofit opportunities for the university and a model approach for other institutions to implement similar projects. Common misconceptions about performance and costs of best management practices will be addressed in an effort to encourage implementation.
Russell Township was awarded $15,000 to address flooding and erosion concerns along Griswold Creek. Russell Township will work with Chagrin River Watershed Partners Inc. to survey stream cross-sections in order to assess down-cutting and bank erosion. They will utilize a watershed approach that promotes implementation of stable stream channel characteristics and provides sustainable solutions for erosion and flooding issues. This project supports the Chagrin River Watershed Balanced Growth Plan.
Citizens wishing to help fund projects that protect and restore Lake Erie and its watershed can also send a donation directly to OLEC’s office at 111 E. Shoreline Drive, Sandusky, Ohio 44870. All donations and proceeds from the sale of the Lake Erie license plates are utilized for funding grants to benefit Ohio’s Great Lake.
OLEC was created to preserve Lake Erie's natural resources, enhance its water quality and promote economic development in the region. The director of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) serves as the commission's chairman. Additional members include the directors of the state departments of Transportation, Health, Development, Agriculture and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency.
For more information on the Lake Erie Protection Fund or to read about past grant projects, visit: http://lakeerie.ohio.gov/.
For more information, contact:
Rian Sallee, OLEC Grants Coordinator
419-621-2040
Jason Fallon, ODNR Office of Communications
614-265-6860
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