COLUMBUS, OH - A proposal to increase the horsepower limit from 9.9 to 20 on Pymatuning Lake in Ashtabula County will be discussed Wednesday, March 31, at an informational meeting hosted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
"We have been listening to the concerns and wishes of those individuals who use the lake," said Dan West, chief of Ohio State Parks. "Based on the feedback we've received, we feel the proposal to increase the horsepower limit is the best solution for the majority of lake users." The meeting begins at 7 p.m. in the cafeteria of Pymatuning Valley High School, 5571 State Route 6 West in Andover. Area legislators, including State Rep. George Distel, D-Conneaut, and State Sen. Mark Dann, D-Liberty Township, plan to join ODNR officials at the informational meeting, which will provide the public an opportunity to learn about the proposed changes, its legislative status, and ask other related questions.
An increased horsepower would improve safety on the water, officials say, as it would allow boats to move off the 14,000-acre lake more quickly during adverse weather conditions.
Because Pymatuning Lake lies in both Ohio and Pennsylvania, the states share authority in its management. In November of 2002, the two states agreed to pursue increasing the horsepower limit, which involves seeking public input and the passage of legislation. Pennsylvania's general assembly has already enacted such legislation and Ohio lawmakers are preparing to introduce similar law.