Getting onto the clear, crisp waters in and around Ohio will be much easier in the future, thanks to the Ohio DNR.
It recently awarded nearly $2.9 million in grants for boating access facility projects to improve public access to Ohio waterways. Additionally, $364,689 in grants was awarded to 34 community boating safety education programs. Funding for the grants came from Ohio’s Waterways Safety Fund.
Projects include: Sixteen boating facility design and construction projects that will be funded through the Cooperative Boating Facility Grant Program; six projects that will provide enhanced recreational opportunities for users of motorized watercraft; and 10 projects that will improve waterway access for non-motorized boats, such as kayaks and canoes.
To keep boaters safe, Ohio law requires any person born on or after Jan. 1, 1982, to show proof they have successfully completed an approved boating safety education course if they operate any powered watercraft greater than 10 horsepower. Many community boating safety education programs also focus on boating skills development and basic water safety.
A list of grant recipients and project descriptions can be found online at watercraft.ohiodnr.gov/grants.
Photo courtesy of Rona Proudfoot
