COLUMBUS, OH -- More than $1,400,000 is available this year for projects to improve recreational boating access to Ohio's waterways, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft. Grant applications will be accepted through April 1 for a variety of projects to improve and expand boat ramps, docks and parking access along Ohio's rivers, lakes and streams.
"Improving boating access on our waterways has been a key priority over the years as recreational boating continues to gain in popularity," said Jeff Hoedt, chief of the ODNR Division of Watercraft. "We encourage local governments and park or conservancy districts considering development of a recreational boating facility to apply for funding assistance."
Among the 30 projects approved last year were a new boat ramp facility at Charles Mill Lake in northcentral Ohio, a canoe ramp on Wolf Creek in northwest Ohio and a small boat ramp on the Hocking River in southeast Ohio.
Applicants may submit a boating access grant proposal that is eligible for up to 100 percent reimbursement of the project cost. Grant awards will be announced this summer.
Grant proposals are scored on a competitive basis and awarded based on the project's overall score and funding availability.
Grant applications are available from the watercraft division's web site (www.dnr.state.oh.us), and by written request from the Division of Watercraft, Cooperative Boating Facility Grants Program, 4435 Fountain Square Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43224.
Projects on private lands cannot be considered for grant funding.
Grants to improve boating access are funded through the Ohio Waterways Safety Fund, which includes fees collected by the Division of Watercraft for boat registration and titles in addition to portions of Ohio's motor fuel tax.