News Release

COLUMBUS, OH -- The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) will conduct a public hearing in Columbus on Tuesday, November 2 at 10 a.m. to discuss proposed rules effecting Ohio's boating programs. The proposed rules focus primarily on administrative procedures for implementing two new state laws concerning noise decibel limits for powerboats and mandatory boater education requirements, both of which go into effect January 1, 2000. Also up for discussion at the public hearing is a rule establishing procedures for refunds on boat registrations and classes offered by the ODNR Division of Watercraft.

In accordance with Chapter 119 of the Ohio Revised Code, ODNR must conduct a public hearing when proposing or changing administrative rules.

The public hearing will be held at the ODNR Division of Watercraft headquarters, 4435 Fountain Square Drive, Columbus. Interested persons may testify during the hearing or submit written comments in advance. Copies of the proposed rules are available at the Department of Natural Resources, Division of Watercraft, 4435 Fountain Square Drive, Building A-3, Columbus, Ohio 43224 or at www.dnr.state.oh.us/odnr/watercraft/ legalntc/ln100199.htm.