This week, State Senator Theresa Gavarone (R-Bowling Green)  announced controlling board approval of a $500,000 Roadwork Development Grant to Ottawa County for public roadwork improvements in support of the tourism industry.

Earlier this year, Gavarone worked to establish a policy change in the state’s transportation budget allowing Roadwork Development Grants to be used for the construction and maintenance of roads that provide access to tourism sites in Ohio.

The funds will make several enhancements to State Route 53, including lane widening and a roundabout at State Road. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2020.

“I set out to ensure that residents of Ottawa County and tourists would spend more time in the water, on the beaches, or at restaurants instead of being stuck on the road,” Gavarone said. “Allowing Roadwork Development Funds to be used on important projects, like this one, achieves that goal and also increases safety on Ohio’s roads.”

Additionally, Gavarone announced the approval of state funds for emergency rehabilitation work on North Bass Island’s pier and boat launch ramp area.

ODNR’s Divisions of Parks & Watercraft determined that the structure faced a high likelihood of failure if immediate actions were not taken. That failure would result in the cutoff of a lifeline for the island’s residents, stoppage of commercial deliveries and the inability to deliver heavy equipment and material for the runway project.

All work on the North Bass Island project is scheduled for completion by August 31, 2019.