PUT-IN-BAY, Ohio — Tourism on Lake Erie is a multi-billion dollar industry in northwest Ohio. Now, there's a big investment to create a better experience for boaters at Put-in-Bay.
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources awarded a $1.4 million boating infrastructure grant, with the money going toward public docks at Put-in-Bay.
That means a fully renovated state-of-the-art docking facility for the DeRivera Park B Dock on South Bass Island.
ODNR said the projects will include the construction of 1,100 linear feet of new fixed docks that are capable of accommodating up to 75 vessels, with marina improvements designed to allow for boats over 26 feet in length.
The idea of reinforcing Put-in-Bay's reputation as a premier destination on the Great Lakes is creating some excitement.
"The dock that we have right now, we have records showing that part of it has been there probably since 1905-ish," Jon Galvin, a caretaker for one of the public docks on South Bass Island said.
Galvin said the other two already have a new look and now he's ready for the renovations on his docks.
"It'll be the best state of the art that is available with with high concerns towards safety," said Galvin. "There's a lot of talk over time about different electrocutions and things that can happen in a boating environment. Helping make this one of the safest type of electrical systems out there is definitely one of our things that were excited about."
Galvin said that with everything going according to plan, the project is expected to be finished by May 2025.
Galvin added that he hopes to start renovations in September by the end of the busy boating season.
The total project cost is estimated at $2.8 million with the ODNR grant covering about half. DeRivera Park will provide a match of $1.4 million through various public, private and professional partnerships.