GRANTS TOTALING $266,000 TO HELP IMPROVE BOATING ACCESS
AT GRAND LAKE ST. MARYS
COLUMBUS, OH - Improvements are scheduled to begin later this year on the East Bank Marina public boat launch ramp at Grand Lake St. Marys in Auglaize County, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
A $133,000 Cooperative Boating Facility Grant from the ODNR Division of Watercraft and a $133,000 Fishing Access Grant from the ODNR Division of Wildlife will fund needed renovations to the popular launch ramp facility, as well as an expansion of the adjoining parking lot. Work is scheduled for completion by the start of the 2007 recreational season.
“These renovations will benefit the many boaters and anglers who frequent this launch ramp and, hopefully, will attract new users to the facility as well,” said Craig Morton, Grand Lake St. Marys State Park manager.
The state’s Cooperative Boating Facility Program is funded through the Ohio Waterways Safety Fund, which is comprised of a portion of the state motor vehicle fuel tax, watercraft registrations and titling fees, and monies from the U.S. Coast Guard. The grants improve public waterway access for the state’s estimated 3 million recreational boaters. Fishing Access Grants are funded through the Division of Wildlife’s Boater Angler Fund, which is also derived from a portion of the state motor vehicle fuel tax.
Grand Lake St. Marys is Ohio’s largest inland body of water with 13,500 acres open to boats of unlimited horsepower. The surrounding state park encompasses seven public boat launch ramps for easy access to the lake. Fishing is a year-round activity and anglers enjoy excellent catches of crappie, bass, bluegill and channel catfish.
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