Contact: Elleen Kane FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
9/10/96
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is seeking public input on the proposed Ohio coastal management program, which would balance economic development and environmental protection on Lake Erie. NOAA will use this input in determining whether the program can receive federal approval.
"Federal approval brings national coordination and funding that can improve the coast and the economy," said Jeffrey R. Benoit, director of NOAA's Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management. "Yet the success of the program ultimately lies in the hands of state residents because each person plays a part in balancing the use of coastal resources with the needs of the resources themselves."
After the program wins federal approval, Ohio is eligible for roughly $800,000 in federal matching funds to improve public access to the coast, restore and improve waterfronts, improve fishery habitat, and streamline the coastal permitting process. These funds can also be passed on to local governments for coastal improvement projects.
A federally approved coastal management program would also give Ohio a voice in federal activities along the state's coastline. Known as federal consistency, this legal provision will require most federal activities to comply with Ohio coastal regulations and policies.
Residents can review the proposed program in a draft environmental impact statement, published by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and NOAA's Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management.
"We're looking for the broadest possible input from all who use and benefit from Lake Erie and its resources," noted Michael Colvin, Ohio's coastal management administrator.
To obtain that broad feedback, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and NOAA's Office of Ocean and Coastal Resources Management will host four public hearings on the draft environmental impact statement.
The hearings take place at the County Commissioners Hearing Room, One Government Center, Toledo, Monday, Sept. 30; Firelands College/BGSU's McBride Auditorium, Tuesday, Oct. 1; Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Auditorium, Cleveland, Wednesday, Oct. 2, and Kent State Branch Campus Main Hall, Ashtabula, Thursday, Oct. 3. All hearings are at 7 p.m.
The DNR and NOAA are also sponsoring open houses from 3:30 to 5:30 before each hearing, so that the public can learn more about the proposed coastal program and talk with representatives from DNR and NOAA.
In addition to the four hearings on the proposed program, NOAA will accept written comments until Nov. 15. These comments should be sent to Joe Uravitch at the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, 1305 East-West Hwy., N/ORM, Silver Spring, MD 20910. Direct any questions to Diana Olinger with OCRM at 301-713-3113 ext. 168.
###NOTE TO EDITORS: Further information about the Ohio Coastal Management Program can be found on the Internet at: http://www.nos.noaa.gov/ocrm/cpd/welcome.html
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