ODNR Awards $1.6 Million For Better Boating Access In Portsmouth

Presented By Rathkamp Financial

(COLUMBUS) – The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) has awarded $1,682,188 in funding through the Cooperative Boating Facility Grant. The new project supports the Elevate Portsmouth Master Plan’s vision to revitalize downtown Portsmouth.  
 
“Creating better access to Ohio waterways opens the door to memories that can last a lifetime,” Governor Mike DeWine said.  “This grant will help more people get on the water to teach their children to fish, bond with friends, and enjoy the world-class outdoor recreation that our great state has to offer.”
 
“Ohio has seen a huge spike in boating and interest in other water recreation over the last year and a half,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “We’re excited to support these community partners in their efforts to improve their boat docks to make sure more people have the chance to go out and enjoy.”
 
This project will replace the existing boat launch and dock, parking lot and retaining wall to accommodate small to large recreational boats.
 
“I am excited that the Portsmouth Riverfront Boating Facility Development Project has received the Cooperative Boating Facility Grant,” Representative Brian Baldridge said. “This sort of investment into our community helps to ensure that Portsmouth continues to attract new business and residents alike. Improvements to our riverfront spaces are imperative to solidifying Portsmouth as a destination.”
 
To be considered for funding, eligible political subdivisions (which include municipalities, townships, counties, joint recreational districts, park districts, conservancy districts, state, and federal agencies), must demonstrate the need for their proposed improvements. The facility for which funding is requested must be open to the public. Grant recipients must provide matching funds if they charge facility use fees.
 
Applications for Cooperative Boating Facility Grants are accepted every two years and will be accepted again January 1, 2023 through April 1, 2023. For more information, go to https://ohiodnr.gov.