SANDUSKY, OH - - The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is now accepting applications for approximately $200,000 in Coastal Management Assistance Grants for the year 2001. Deadline for submitting grant applications is December 8.
The purpose of the grants is to preserve, protect and enhance Ohio's Lake Erie coastal resources. Priority for the new round of grants is to assist coastal communities in addressing issues of growth, land-use planning, recreational tourism and community identity by promoting comprehensive community planning.
Grant money will go to new planning efforts, as well as updates of existing plans. The goal is to promote community planning that will address enhanced public access, hazard mitigation, natural resource protection and restoration, and sustainable coastal development issues. In coming years, priority will be given to applications from communities that have conducted successful community planning.
Local communities, government agencies, non-profit organizations, planning commissions and educational institutions are eligible for Coastal Management Assistance Grants. All grants will be awarded on a competitive basis, with applicants providing a share of the project costs. The grants will be awarded next spring for 15-month projects scheduled to begin July 1.
Applications and guidelines for the Coastal Management Assistance Grants program are available by writing to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Ohio Coastal Management Program, 1630 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, Ohio 44870. Forms and information are also available through the Ohio Coastal Management Program's website at www.dnr.state.oh.us/odnr/relm/coastal/cmp, or by calling (419) 626-7986.
For Further Information Contact:
Yetty Alley, Division of REALM, Ohio Coastal Management Program
(419) 626-7986
-or-
Jane Beathard, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6860