COLUMBUS, OH - Applications for grants to install and improve recreational marine sanitation disposal facilities at boating marinas across the state are now being accepted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Public and private owners of waterfront facilities such as marinas, gas docks and boat launch ramps are eligible to apply.
Funds are provided through the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services Clean Vessel Act program. One of 28 states to recently receive such funding, Ohios award included $201,000 for inland waterway projects and $158,000 for Lake Erie projects.
Marine disposal facilities are commonly referred to as boat pump-outs and dump stations, but also may include floating restrooms. All facilities funded through this program must be open to the public. Clean Vessel Act funds are available to pay up to 100 percent of approved construction and renovation.
Since 1999, 77 public and private marine facilities have applied to the ODNR Division of Watercraft for project funding. A total of 27 Clean Vessel Act project have been completed at a cost of $240,363. Another 34 projects valued at $550,297 are under construction.
Additional grant program information is available on the ODNR web page under boating at ohiodnr.com