Sales of new plate benefit Lake Erie Protection Fund
TOLEDO, OH A new license plate featuring the historic Toledo Harbor Light is now available at Deputy Registrars across the state, according to the Ohio Lake Erie Commission. The new plate design will be offered in addition to the Marblehead Lighthouse license plate, which has been Ohio’s most popular specialty license plate since its introduction in 1993. Proceeds from the sale of these commemorative license plates benefit the Lake Erie Protection Fund.
This year marks the 100-year anniversary of the Toledo Lighthouse, a three-story Romanesque structure that guards Toledo Harbor leading to the mouth of the Maumee River. The lighthouse was built in 1904 after the federal government dredged a deep-water channel linking Lake Erie and the Maumee River at the Port of Toledo’s entrance. At that time, the structure was considered the most modern lighthouse anywhere in the world. The lighthouse was automated in 1965 and still operates today with its original Fresnel lens.
“The widespread popularity of the Marblehead Lighthouse plate has demonstrated the affection Ohioans share for both our Great Lake and its lighthouses,” said Patricia Madigan, deputy director of the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency. “In response to the 100-year anniversary of the Toledo Harbor Light, Ohio motorists will now have two ways to display their Lake Erie pride.”
A set of Lake Erie license plates costs Ohioans an additional $25 above regular vehicle registration fees at the time of purchase and with each annual renewal, with $15 from each sale going to the Lake Erie Protection Fund. Administered by the Ohio Lake Erie Commission, the fund supports research and implementation projects, restoration and education efforts to protect and enhance Lake Erie. Since the creation of Ohio’s first Lake Erie license plate in 1993, approximately 500,000 plates have been sold throughout the state, generating more than $7,500,000 for the Lake Erie Protection Fund. Both of the lighthouse license plate designs are the work of Ohio artist Ben Richmond.
As with other Ohio license plates, the Lake Erie plates may be personalized, at additional cost, with reserved or “vanity” letter/number combinations. Further information is available by calling the BMV toll-free hotline at 1-800-589-TAGS or by visiting their web site at www.oplates.com.
The Ohio Lake Erie Commission was established to preserve Lake Erie's natural resources, water quality and ecosystem. It also promotes economic development in the region. The commission oversees the Lake Erie Protection Fund and distributes grants that focus on improving the quality of Lake Erie and to furthering the goals laid out in the
Lake Erie Protection & Restoration Plan.