FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 28, 2001

$300,000 IN OHIO BOATING SAFETY EDUCATION GRANTS AWARDED

COLUMBUS, OH -- Thirty organizations across the state have been awarded a total of $300,000 by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) to promote safe boating programs.

The grants are awarded annually by the ODNR Division of Watercraft to help local boating organizations increase boating education and help younger boaters meet the mandatory education law enacted last year. Ohio law requires boaters born on or after January 1, 1982 to show successful completion of the state's boater education program.

"By providing increased boating education, we can help reduce the number of boating accidents and fatalities on Ohio waterways," said Jeff Hoedt, chief of the ODNR Division of Watercraft.

Among this year's grant recipients are the Columbus Power Squadron, the City of Barberton Parks & Recreation Commission and Wright State University.

Boating Safety Education Grants are funded through the Ohio Waterways Safety Fund, which is comprised of watercraft registration fees, a percentage of the state motor fuel tax, and funding from the U.S. Coast Guard.

"Ohio is among many states enacting mandatory boater education laws with the goal of making recreational boating safer and more enjoyable," said Hoedt.

EDITORS NOTE: SEE RECIPIENT LIST BELOW

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For Further Information Contact:
John Wisse, ODNR Division of Watercraft
(614) 265-6695
-or-
Andy Ware, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6882