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GLIN==> Nearly $1 Million Awarded for Lake Erie Research Projects
Press Release
September 9, 1999
Ohio Lake Erie Commission Awards Nearly
$1 Million for Lake Erie Research Projects
Toledo, OH -- Seven research projects focusing on protecting and restoring
Lake Erie and its waterways will collectively receive $947,888 in funding
through the Lake Erie Protection Fund. The Ohio Lake Erie Commission
approved the 1999 Large Grant Awards at the Ohio Lake Erie Commission's
quarterly meeting on August 31, 1999, at Put-in-Bay, Ohio. The grant
recipients were honored at the Eighth Annual Ohio Lake Erie Conference held
September 1, 1999 at Bowling Green State University's Firelands Campus in
Huron, Ohio.
The Lake Erie Protection Fund was established in 1992 to help finance
research, restoration and implementation projects that help protect and
preserve Lake Erie. During the last eight years, the Commission has
awarded nearly $5 million in Lake Erie Protection Fund monies for extensive
research and implementation projects that focus on improving the quality of
Lake Erie. This revenue is generated from monies received through the Lake
Erie License Plate Program and through Ohio's participation in the Great
Lakes Protection Fund.
The following is a listing of the 1999 LEPF grant recipients and their
respective projects:
* The Ohio Lake Erie Buffer Team will receive $229,635 for the "Ohio Lake
Erie Buffer Team Initiative." This project will help implement an
extensive marketing program to attract new enrollment in Ohio's
Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program, provide technical assistance to
Ohio landowners that adopt buffer practices, and allow for monitoring the
progress and benefits of new buffers in regards to stream quality.
* Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments will receive $250,000 for
the "Portage River Hydrological Study." A comprehensive hydrological study
will be conducted to provide specific solutions to flooding problems in
Hancock, Ottawa, Sandusky and Wood counties.
* Ohio State University was awarded $93,712 for "Wetland Renovation to East
Harbor State Park." This project will enhance the quality of a 20-acre
wetland by eradicating giant reeds called phragmites and restoring the
native flora to a more natural state.
* The Sandusky River Watershed Coalition will receive $122,066 for
"Watershed Planning & Implementation for the Sandusky River Watershed
Coalition." This grant will enable the coalition to complete and implement
a comprehensive watershed management plan for this waterway, identified as
one of Ohio's four Great Lakes Areas of Concern.
* The Ohio Department of Natural Resources' Division of Nature Areas &
Preserves was awarded $11,100 for the "North Pond Kiosk Project." This
grant will fund the design and construction of an information kiosk in
Kelley's Island pristine North Pond region to educate visitors on the
dynamics of the wetlands and the preserve's unique flora and fauna.
* The Portage County Health Department received $86,375 for "Managing
Portage County's Semi-Public Wastewater Systems to Benefit the Lake Erie
Watershed." These funds will be used to allow Portage County to institute
a permanent and self-sufficient inspection program to improve wastewater
systems and prevent bacterial contaminants from flowing into the Cuyahoga
River.
* The Toledo Metropolitan Area Council of Governments was awarded $155,000
to develop a plan of operation for the "Maumee River Regional Storm Water
Management District." The grant will fund the formation of a stormwater
management district and the development of a plan of operation detailing
the duties, functions and financing mechanisms of such a district.
The Lake Erie Conference is part of Ohio's public outreach program ~
Coastweeks '99. Coastweeks is a national celebration of our nation's
waters and shorelines, creating many educational, environmental and
recreational opportunities for Ohioans. Coastweeks is coordinated by the
Ohio Lake Erie Commission for all citizens to enjoy from August 28 through
September 26, 1999. The goal of this program is to increase awareness of
the value and fragility of the state's greatest natural resource ~ Lake
Erie and its shoreline.
The Ohio Lake Erie Commission is comprised of the directors of the Ohio
Environmental Protection Agency, and the Departments of Natural Resources,
Transportation, Development, Health and Agriculture. The Commission was
established for the purpose of preserving Lake Erie's natural resources,
protecting the quality of waters and ecosystem and promoting economic
development
of the region.
-- 30 --
Debbie Katterheinrich
Public Information Specialist
Ohio Lake Erie Commission
One Maritime Plaza, 4th Floor
Toledo, OH 43604-1866
419/245-2514
fax: 419/245-2519
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