News Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 24, 2003

CLEAN VESSEL ACT PROVIDES FOR LAKE WATER QUALITY IMPROVEMENT

COLUMBUS, OH - In an effort to develop cleaner waterways and reduce sewage disposal from recreational boats, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft is helping to administer a federal grant program that was created in 1992 with passage of the Clean Vessel Act.

The purpose of the Act is to evaluate existing conditions for sewage disposal from recreational boats and to implement improvements where needed. Ohio's emphasis is to work with public and privately owned marine facilities to construct pumpout and dumping stations, which allow for proper sewage disposal by boaters.

Since 1999, 77 public and private marine facilities have applied to ODNR for project funding. A total of 27 Clean Vessel Act projects have been completed at a cost of $240,363. Another 21 projects valued at $170,500 are under construction. There are 23 project applications valued at $741,208 now in the final approval stage.

Clean Vessel Act funds are available to public and private marinas and other recreational boating facilities. All pumpout and dump station facilities funded through this program must be open to the public. Grant funds will pay 100% of approved construction and renovations of pumpout and dump stations.

Additional information on Clean Vessel Act and other grant program funding can be obtained from the ODNR Watercraft web page .