November 2, 2006

WITH LAUNCH OF ODNR’S LATEST PROJECT, RECENT INVESTMENTS AT GRAND LAKE ST. MARYS STATE PARK TOP THE $1,000,000 MARK
Projects include those to help improve water quality in Ohio’s largest inland lake

COLUMBUS, OH - Total state investments in improvements at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park since 2003 will soon surpass the $1,000,000 mark, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). Bids for construction of ODNR’s most recent project, to install new water lines at the state park’s 204-site campground, were opened on November 1. Shinn Brothers, Inc. of Celina will complete the work.

“Projects recently completed or soon to begin at Grand Lake St. Marys State Park are major steps toward continued enhancement of this popular recreational destination,” said ODNR Director Sam Speck. “Notably, much of this work also helps improve water quality in Ohio’s largest inland lake, which is an important goal for ODNR. While the state is doing its part, through these and other investments, to ensure cleaner water in Grand Lake St. Marys, we must ultimately depend on partnerships throughout the lake’s watershed to get the job done.”

Speck said the most recent ODNR improvement will involve installing 9,600 feet of new water lines at the state park campground, a project expected to cost approximately $300,000. Work is scheduled for completion in time for the 2007 summer recreational season.

Design work is also underway on a $266,000 improvement project at the East Bank Marina public boat launch ramp.

The new projects complement more than $481,000 in additional improvements at the state park in recent years. A $177,000 effort to upgrade the campground’s wastewater collection system, including installation or replacement of 2,724 feet of sewer pipe, 13 manholes and a new dump station, was completed in 2003. Another project, costing about $120,000, replaced three wastewater lift stations and installed 556 feet of sewer line at the East Bank shelter houses in 2004. Four new docks were added to the East Bank shelter house area this year at a cost of $48,200. An additional $33,347 added six courtesy docks at the West Bank boat launch. The state spent $23,250 to improve public launch ramps at Frey’s Landing and the St. Marys Boat Club. An $80,000 recreational trail project was just completed in the West Bank area.