Lake Erie lawmakers announce release of nearly $10M for cleanup initiative

The Ohio Controlling Board on Monday approved the release of 9.9 million dollars from the Healthy Lake Erie Fund to Lucas, Lorain, and Ashtabula Counties for projects related to the management of dredge material. The funding comes in support of state officials’ goal to end all open-lake dumping of dredge materials by 2020 to mitigate the devastating environmental impact of the practice.

“The prohibition of open lake dumping of dredged material weighs heavily upon our local communities,” said Rep. John Patterson (D-Jefferson). “These funds will allow us to replace the lower coal docks with a new Conneaut Creek Dredge Facility. The ability to process and strategically use dredged materials is a critical step toward the future; not only for the harbor, but for the health of our great lake and the culture we have built around it.”

“We know that open-lake dumping can have a devastating impact on lake ecosystems and can even exacerbate the algal blooms plaguing our coastal communities. I am thrilled to hear that the state is offering new support to the communities on the front lines of the algae crisis,” said Rep. Michael Sheehy (D-Oregon).

”I am happy to announce $4 million of the total release of funding will be dedicated to the construction of a Black River dredge facility in Lorain ,” said Rep. Dan Ramos (D-Lorain). “This needed funding will help ensure that necessary preservation of the Black River and Lake Erie is taking place. Maintaining these bodies of water is essential for creating jobs and strengthening our local economy.”