The Ohio Controlling Board has announced that $3.73 million has been approved for various wildlife and recreational projects in Ottawa County last week, reported State Rep. D.J. Swearingen of Huron.

“I was glad to be a part of the process of securing the funds for these great projects,” Swearingen said. “This is going to benefit our local habitats, wildlife and further increase recreational opportunities for Ohioans and visitors, which in turn will spur more tourism within the region.”

Swearingen cosponsored and supported House Bill 110, known as the state operating budget that provided the funding for these measures. Additionally, Swearingen is a member of the House Finance Committee that oversaw the legislative process for the bill.

The funding and list of Ottawa County projects approved include the following:

• $2.9 million for the Mallard Club and Little Portage wetland restorations;
• $688,778 for building renovations and new educational displays for the Sportsmen’s Migratory Bird Center;
• $100,000 for the Magee March Interior dike assessment; and
• $50,000 in land acquisition to increase recreational opportunities for Ohioans, increase habitat and reduce maintenance costs adjacent to the Magee Marsh wildlife area.