Tag Archives: ODNR Division of Watercraft

News, Sports

Boating Safety Grant Awards Include Eastern Pike School

Presented By Classic Brands

(Columbus) – Fifteen community boating safety education programs received a total of $329,378 this year through the Boating Safety Education Grant Program, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
 
“The safety training provided by local grant recipients strengthens our efforts to make sure Ohioans enjoy a fun and safe boating experience,” said ODNR Director Mary Mertz.
 
ODNR increased funding this year which enabled four more organizations to receive funding. This year’s recipients include several local school districts which will be providing boating safety classes to their students in environmental science and recreation programs for the first time.
 
Individual grant awards provided by ODNR’s Division of Parks and Watercraft range from $3,790 to $30,000. The grant program supports local purchase of safety equipment, such as kayaks, life jackets, and trailers.  
 
The grants are funded by Ohio’s recreational boaters through the Waterways Safety Fund, which is comprised of a share of the state motor fuel tax, watercraft registration and titling fees, and funding from the U.S. Coast Guard.
 
The following is a list of this year’s grants by county:

Athens County

  • Hocking College – $30,000

Delaware County

  • Adaptive Sports Connection – $29,989.02

Franklin County

  • American Kayaking Association – $21,858.25

Pike County

  • Eastern Local Schools – $30,000

Last year, 19 community organizations shared $250,000 provided by Ohio boaters and the ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft to help fund community boating safety education programs.
 
Ohio law requires any person born on or after Jan. 1, 1982, to be able to show proof they have successfully completed an approved boating safety education course if they are to operate any powered watercraft greater than 10 horsepower. Many of the programs also focus on boating skills development and basic water safety.
 
The ODNR Division of Parks and Watercraft is mandated by state law to provide boating safety education programs. The division accomplishes this mission by providing annual funding assistance to local communities and nonprofit organizations through a competitive grant program.

News

Boaters to See Shelter/Learning Center At Lake White State Park

Presented By Hometown-Motors, Inc.

(Waverly) – People in and around Pike County will soon have a new place to learn how to stay safe on the water. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) is building a new Boater Education Center at Lake White State Park.
 
“I’ve loved seeing more Ohioans on our lakes and rivers over the past few years, rediscovering an appreciation of the water,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said.  “While boating can offer quality family time, new boaters mean more people need to learn the ins and outs of operating these vessels.  We are excited to be able to provide that with this new education center.”
 
The new building will include a 2,020 square-foot park shelter with storage rooms, restrooms, patios, and a pavilion area. The building will host education courses for new boaters and will be available for community use.  Classes will include topics such as operating safely, legal requirements, water sports, and what to do in a boating emergency.  Anyone operating a boat in Ohio powered by more than 10 horsepower must provide proof of boater education.  ODNR offers study guides to help people meet those requirements.
 
The new center is expected to be complete in the spring of 2022.  Total cost is estimated at $852,400.

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ODNR Awards $1.6 Million For Better Boating Access In Portsmouth

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(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.