Island marina expansion subject of public hearing

10/7/2005

MIDDLE BASS ISLAND The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency will conduct a public hearing next week on plans by the state to expand its marina and camping facilities on Middle Bass Island.

During the hearing, which is scheduled for 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Middle Bass Island town hall, 985 Fox Rd., EPA representatives will provide information about the proposed project and answer questions.

The Ohio Department of Natural Resources announced in July that it planned to enlarge its marina on the island from 130 to 260 boat slips by digging out a peninsula of nearly 40 acres. The dredged material would be used to elevate and enlarge a camping area from 21 tent sites to as many as 60 sites.

The project is expected to cost $11.4 million and take until 2009 to complete. The state has discussed expanding recreational offerings on Middle Bass Island since buying 124 acres for a state park five years ago.