The ODNR Division of Watercraft Cooperative Boating Facility Grant would be used by the Cincinnati Recreation Commission (CRC) for additional "pull through" parking spaces for users of the park's boat launch facility. The funding would also pay for enhanced lighting and signage and ADA accessibility upgrades.
Because CRC is not providing matching funds, it would no longer be able to charge a $10 fee for use of the boat launch. In 2012, user fees brought in $7,910.
This is the second time in two years that the City has applied for the ODNR grant, having failed to be one of the 11 projects receiving funding last year.
In 2011, the City applied for and won a $3.7 million grant through the program for a $5 million project to expand the boat launch ramp from two to four lanes, build a new launch building with ADA-accessible restrooms, and construct a new ADA-compliant courtesy dock with a sanitary pump out station. That funding was rescinded when ODNR's operating budget was slashed by 30 percent as part of a biennial state budget signed by Gov. John Kasich in June 2011.
CRC plans to pursue additional grants for future improvements.
Previous reading on BC:
Grants would fund safety, access improvements at Riverside Recreation Area (3/20/12)
City to apply for $3.5M for Riverside rec, safety improvements (3/1/11)
