GLIN==> Small Harbors Coalition Requests Local Support for Resolution

Small Harbors Coalition Requests Local Support for Resolution

March 8, 2010

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

SANDUSKY, OH - Many shallow draft harbors used by Lake Erie's recreational
boaters and charter fishing fleet are sorely in need of dredging and
infrastructure maintenance to be continually safe and reliable. However,
current funding for such projects is dependent on Congressional "earmarks,"
and is therefore inconsistent. In an effort to change this system, the Great
Lakes Small Harbors Coalition (GLSHC) is asking local port authorities,
municipalities, and coastal townships to adopt a resolution that will be
used to petition the federal government for sustainable, needs-based
funding. 

To read and sign onto the resolution, visit
ohioseagrant.osu.edu/smallharbors/vision, a new website launched to increase
awareness of the GLSHC. Copy the resolution text onto your official
letterhead and send completed copies to Chuck May at cmay08 at charter.net or
3180 Crescent Beach Rd., Manistee, MI 49660. Voicing support for this
measure increases the chances that the needs of small harbors will be heard.

"The economic impact of small harbors, especially marinas and recreational
boating, should not be underestimated," says Colleen Wellington, Ohio Sea
Grant Extension Educator and Coordinator for the Ohio Clean Marinas Program.
"More people are returning to boating as the economy picks up, and it is
important that marinas are accessible. To make an event greater impact,
marinas are also encouraged to become Certified Clean Marinas, which assists
these operators in protecting the resources that provide their livelihood:
clean water and fresh air."

The Great Lakes Small Harbors Coalition was created in November 2007 to
represent these commercial and small harbors, as well as their surrounding
communities and patrons. Under the GLSHC banner, harbors, advocate
organizations, legislators, and state and local agencies from throughout the
Great Lakes region are working together to promote harbor projects and
ensure sustainable federal funding. Ohio Sea Grant, like many other Great
Lakes Sea Grant programs, is working to increase awareness of dredging
issues, safe boating access needs, and the Shallow Harbor Coalition. 

Through its efforts, the coalition envisions an annual dedicated
appropriation that maintains Great Lakes harbor navigation channels and
infrastructure requirements; and ongoing recognition and support for harbors
that will maximize their economic benefit, enhance quality of life, and
protect public safety.

For more information, visit ohioseasgrant.osu.edu/smallharbors
<http://ohioseagrant.osu.edu/smallharbors/> .

###

Contact:

Colleen Wellington, Ohio Sea Grant Clean Marinas Coordinator,
wellington.28 at osu.edu, 419.609.4120

Frank Lichtkoppler, Ohio Sea Grant Extension, lichtkoppler.1 at osu.edu,
440.350.2582

 

 

Stacy Brannan

Associate Editor

Ohio Sea Grant and Stone Laboratory

1314 Kinnear Road

Columbus, OH 43212

614.247.7109

brannan.16 at osu.edu

 

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