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Northeast Lawmakers Introduce Lakefront Ohio Economic Development and Tourism Plan

Legislation aims to increase commerce, tourism in counties bordering Lake Erie
April 23, 2014
Democratic Newsroom

COLUMBUS- State Representatives Matt Lundy (D-Elyria) and Armond Budish (D-Beachwood) today introduced legislation requiring the Ohio Development Services Agency (DSA), in collaboration with regional institutions of higher education, to develop the Lakefront Ohio Economic Development and Tourism Plan.

“We need a master plan to maximize economic opportunities for our lakefront,” said Rep Lundy. “The more we drive consumers to Lake Erie, the more we can grow business and tourism. Lorain County Community College and other colleges in Northern Ohio can work together and collaborate on a workable vision for the future of our lakefront. Ohio’s northshore needs a long-range plan and this is a way to jump start that process.”

The legislation calls for the use of only specified types of land in the region, including vacant land and land currently available for commercial use. DSA will be appropriated $3,000,000, which will be equally distributed to the institutions of higher education to develop their joint proposal. The proposal will be submitted no later than sixteen months following the effective date of the legislation.

“Lake Erie is one of Ohio’s greatest assets.  The collaboration that this bill will establish would bring a consolidated and fresh assessment of how to maximize the potential of Ohio’s North shore with a long-range, balanced plan,” added Rep. Budish.

Lake Erie is one of Ohio’s most prized possessions with 169 public access locations in the eight coastal counties along the 312-mile shoreline. The shoreline boasts pristine natural sand beaches, cobble beaches, dunes, estuaries, and many other commercial and recreational harbors, industrial ports and fishing.