WASHINGTON, D.C. – U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown (D-OH) today announced new federal resources for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Office of Coastal Management to provide ongoing support to the Ohio Coastal Management Program. The United States Department of Commerce funds were distributed by the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and total $1,753,000.
“With the summer boating and fishing season upon us, it’s more important than ever to work to ensure Lake Erie’s health,” Brown said. “A healthy Lake Erie is vital to Ohio’s prosperity, our tourism and our jobs. These resources will help preserve and maintain Ohio’s coastline and ensure that more Ohioans can continue to enjoy all that Lake Erie has to offer.”
The funds will be used to fulfill the goals laid out in the Ohio Coastal Program management plan, including providing public education and training, providing technical assistance to local governments, funding the Shore Structure permitting program, and supporting Ohio’s Clean Marinas program. The funds will also address water quality issues in the Western Lake Erie Basin (WLEB) by implementing programs that reduce nutrient runoff. Additionally, the funding will also support three local Watershed Coordinators in the Western Lake Erie Basin and support the local Soil and Water Conservation District staff’s work in the Maumee River watershed.
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