Guest Column from State Representative Jim Buchy
Once again it is May and many people around Grand Lake St. Marys have the recurring question on their mind: Will the lake have toxic algal blooms again this year and how bad will they be? For small business owners it is a matter of the future of their family tree, and for lake enthusiasts it may mean traveling to distant lakes to enjoy the water. Even if you and your family are not directly connected to Grand Lake St. Marys, the health of the lake is likely to have some type of effect on your life.
For the state of Ohio, this issue is about the maintenance of a state park. The state is committed to supporting scientific improvement projects at the lake, and to-date has partnered with local officials spending millions in the watershed and the lake to start the process of restoring the lake. The long-term improvements require ongoing projects that are directed by the local people who know the lake the best. Survey data shows that the local people around the lake want the ability to determine the fate of the lake. By request of local officials, Senator Faber, Senator Hite, Representative Burkley, and I have been working with the governor and other leaders in Columbus to provide a provision in Ohio law for a “Lake Facilities Authority.”
The Lake Facilities Authority has similarities to a port authority, but it will provide special powers that are needed for the unique problems at Grand Lake St. Marys. The ultimate goal: People will no longer wonder if the lake will remain open in the summer. The Lake Facilities Authority would be headed by the county commissioners of each impacted county and would be able to ask voters if they support property tax levies, excise tax levies, and bonding on future revenues. Ultimately the outcome will be left to local voters.
The law is clear. The Lake Facilities Authority is only applicable for lakes such as Grand Lake St. Marys where algal blooms are causing high microsystin levels. In addition, any money collected can only be spent to directly impact the restoration of Grand Lake St. Marys. This may not be the only answer for the lake, but it provides local people the ability to make their own decisions. Along with the Lake Facilities Authority, state officials remain committed to continuing their projects at the lake and assessing any new ones that may benefit the lake.
The Lake Facilities Authority is included in the biennial budget bill, HB 59, and remains subject to change.
The local people clearly understand the needs of the lake best. I appreciate hearing from you regarding the most important issues of the day. Please inform me of your opinion on current topics by completing a survey at tinyurl.com/buchymay. Thank you for your continued communication. Your feedback helps guide the legislative priorities.
For the state of Ohio, this issue is about the maintenance of a state park. The state is committed to supporting scientific improvement projects at the lake, and to-date has partnered with local officials spending millions in the watershed and the lake to start the process of restoring the lake. The long-term improvements require ongoing projects that are directed by the local people who know the lake the best. Survey data shows that the local people around the lake want the ability to determine the fate of the lake. By request of local officials, Senator Faber, Senator Hite, Representative Burkley, and I have been working with the governor and other leaders in Columbus to provide a provision in Ohio law for a “Lake Facilities Authority.”
The Lake Facilities Authority has similarities to a port authority, but it will provide special powers that are needed for the unique problems at Grand Lake St. Marys. The ultimate goal: People will no longer wonder if the lake will remain open in the summer. The Lake Facilities Authority would be headed by the county commissioners of each impacted county and would be able to ask voters if they support property tax levies, excise tax levies, and bonding on future revenues. Ultimately the outcome will be left to local voters.
The law is clear. The Lake Facilities Authority is only applicable for lakes such as Grand Lake St. Marys where algal blooms are causing high microsystin levels. In addition, any money collected can only be spent to directly impact the restoration of Grand Lake St. Marys. This may not be the only answer for the lake, but it provides local people the ability to make their own decisions. Along with the Lake Facilities Authority, state officials remain committed to continuing their projects at the lake and assessing any new ones that may benefit the lake.
The Lake Facilities Authority is included in the biennial budget bill, HB 59, and remains subject to change.
The local people clearly understand the needs of the lake best. I appreciate hearing from you regarding the most important issues of the day. Please inform me of your opinion on current topics by completing a survey at tinyurl.com/buchymay. Thank you for your continued communication. Your feedback helps guide the legislative priorities.