SANDUSKY, OH -- Lake Erie communities will benefit from $256,500 in federally funded Coastal Management Assistance Grants, recently announced by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
The grants are designed to improve and protect Ohio's greatest natural resource - Lake Erie and its coastline. Communities and organizations use these grants to develop comprehensive plans, improve access to Lake Erie's shoreline, conduct research and education, and develop outdoor recreational facilities.
"Our lake and coastal resources are invaluable and irreplaceable," said ODNR Director Sam Speck. "These grants will help protect these resources, so that Lake Erie continues providing wonderful family recreation, jobs and critical habitat for Ohio's wildlife."
Each project selected for the 2004 round of grants addresses at least one category of ODNR's Strategic Action Plan for Coastal Management. The categories are:
Funding for the Coastal Management Assistance Grant Program is provided by the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis, with each recipient matching its grant with at least 50 percent of the project's total cost.
ODNR has awarded more than $1.9 million in Coastal Management Assistance Grants since the program began in 1997.
Applications and guidelines for the next round grants to be awarded in 2005 will be available in the fall by contacting the ODNR Office of Coastal Management at 419-626-7980 or online at ohiodnr.com/coastal.
2004 OHIO COASTAL MANAGEMENT ASSISTANCE GRANT RECIPIENTS
|
| Recipient |
Amount |
Project Title |
Project Description |
| Lake County Planning Commission (Lake) |
$17,000 grant
$46,000 project |
Lake County Coastal Priority Projects Feasibility Study |
This project will provide detailed data/information such as cost and construction time estimates to local decision makers on priority projects identified in two years of community planning initiatives to promote recreational, economic, and social destinations in Lake County. Priority projects include shoreline erosion protection and full-service marina development. |
| Cleveland Metroparks (Cuyahoga) |
$90,000 grant
$270,000 project |
Mill Creek Greenway Connector Trail |
This project will accomplish the design and engineering for the construction of 1.5 miles of a 2.5-mile all-purpose trail. This first phase is part of a conservation greenway that will link the Cuyahoga River, Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, the Mill Creek Falls Trail and Garfield Park Reservation. |
| City of Cleveland (Cuyahoga) |
$50,000 grant
$103,412 project |
Rehabilitation Study for the Former US Coast Guard Cleveland Harbor Station North of Whiskey Island |
A study will be produced that incorporates a community dialog process along with an existing conditions assessment, a detailed rehabilitation program including cost estimates, and renderings of the future building use. The goal is to determine what is necessary to rehabilitate the former Station to an acceptable health and safety standard for use as an education center open to the public. |
| City of Cleveland (Cuyahoga) |
$50,000 grant
$117,302 project |
Feasibility Study for Public Access: Dike 14, Cleveland, OH |
This study will help the City of Cleveland develop alternatives that will allow the public to safely access the site and enjoy the flora and fauna. Information to be developed includes answering the environmental risk and other existing site condition questions, determining the environmentally sensitive flora and fauna, and providing cost estimates for various public access alternatives. |
| City of Sandusky (Erie) |
$15,000 grant
$30,000 project |
Bayfront Corridor Extension |
This study will describe various routes to extend the existing Bayfront Corridor to create a new 8-mile lakefront trail and open space corridor. A trail plan with route alternatives will be created and construction cost estimates will be developed along with a cost effective phasing/implementation/funding program. Opportunities for public comment will be incorporated into the planning process. |
| City of Sheffield Lake (Lorain) |
$4,500 grant
$9,000 project |
Sheffield Lake Proposed Boat Ramp Sedimentation Study |
A report will be produced describing the amount and nature of sedimentation that can be expected at the proposed ramp location and how that might affect the proposed boat ramp, dock and breakwater design. |
| Sandusky Area Maritime Association (Erie) |
$30,000 grant
$110,000 project |
Wetlands Exhibit |
An exhibit will be developed that will focus on issues surrounding Lake Erie coastal wetlands. The exhibit will include information on the environmental importance of wetlands to the overall ecology and highlight efforts to preserve and protect Lake Erie wetlands. |