A funding package of $2,118,000 to protect Lake Erie and support its vital role in economic development for Ohio communities has been announced.

The investment in the Ohio Department of Natural Resources’ Office of Coastal Management, awarded through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)’s Coastal Zone Management Administration, will be used to address various issues on Ohio’s coast. That will include: Policy coordination and analysis, coastal hazards and erosion, economic development, recreation, climate change, habitat protection and restoration, water quality, coastal shoreline change, permitting, technical assistance to local coastline communities, and enhancing public access to the coast.

“Lake Erie is not only an irreplaceable natural resource, it’s also vital to our state’s economy,” said Sen. Sherrod Brown. “This investment will play an important role in economic development for communities along Lake Erie, and keep the lake healthy for the businesses, families, boaters, and anglers that rely on it.”