Ohio Spending $4.25 Million For Boating/Fishing Access by Garrett Blake In Ohio, boating and fishing are big. That's why Ohio is spending nearly $4.5 million in new grants to improve boating access at 30 sites around the state. It's the largest amount ever earmarked for boating improvements in Ohio in a single year. The grants provide local communities and agencies with funding to improve existing boating facilities and to build new access ramps and docks. "These grants help improve access to our state's popular waterways, making it easier for Ohioans and out-of-state visitors to enjoy Ohio's outstanding boating and fishing opportunities," said Governor Bob Taft in announcing the grants. "Boating contributes more than a billion dollars to Ohio's economy each year and provides nearly 20,000 Ohioans with jobs," he added. The grant funds come from the Waterways Safety Fund (WSF), which is composed of Ohio boat registration fees and a portion of the state motor fuel tax and some federal safety grant funds. No general Ohio tax revenues go into the Waterways Safety Fund. It is a true user-pay, user benefit system. Funds flowing into the WSF were increased last year as boaters from around the state represented by the Boating Associations of Ohio (BAO) lobbied the Governor and the General Assembly to increase the percentage share of gas tax revenues going into the WSF. They argued that the formula hadn't been changed in nearly 40 years while boating had tripled in Ohio during that time. The Governor and lawmakers agreed with the boaters and increased the amount going into the WSF by an additional 1/4%. That meant an additional $3.8 million dollars available annually for boating programs in Ohio. While boaters celebrated the legislative victory and are now seeing the fruits of their efforts in programs such as this latest record round of grants, some say it's still not enough. "We sought an increase of 1/2%," said Norm Schultz, executive director of BAO, "an it was clearly documented that boating in our state accounts for well over 1% of the fuel purchased for off-highway consumption. Yes, we were delighted to get the 1/4% increase last year but the fact remains that it should have been raised by an additional 1/4% and it wasn't. So, our goal in the next legislative session is to convince lawmakers in Columbus that an additional 1/4% is warranted and should be directed to the WSF," he added. Boaters interested in getting involved can contact Schultz at BAO (440) 899-5009. Back to the top... Back to the Feature Articles Index...