FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 27, 2000

COLUMBUS, OH -- Governor Bob Taft and the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) today announced nearly $4,250,000 in grants to improve boating access at 30 sites across Ohio. The grants provide funding assistance to local communities and agencies to improve existing boating facilities and for the construction of new boating access ramps.

"These grants help improve access to our state's popular waterways, making it easier for Ohioans and out-of-state visitors to enjoy Ohio's outstanding boating and fishing opportunities," Taft said. "Boating contributes more than a billion dollars to Ohio's economy each year and provides nearly 20,000 Ohioans with jobs."

The grants are funded through the Ohio Waterways Safety Fund, comprised of boat registration fees and a portion of the state motor fuel tax. According to ODNR, the grants awarded this year represent the largest amount awarded for boating access and improvement in a single year.

ODNR received 70 project proposals this year, compared to 22 in 1999. Funded projects include replacement/repair of existing facilities, dredging projects to address low water issues on Lake Erie and the construction of new boating facilities.

Projects were competitively judged by ODNR's Division of Watercraft to determine funding priority. Interested communities may apply to the division by April 1, 2001 for a new round of grants to be awarded next summer.

For further information on Cooperative Boating Facility Grants or to receive a grant application, write the Division of Watercraft at 4435 Fountain Square Drive, Columbus, Ohio 43224 or visit the division’s web site at www.dnr.state.oh.us/odnr/watercraft .