State loan aids Put-in-Bay's water line plan

8/29/2006

PUT-IN-BAY, Ohio - The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency has granted Ottawa County and the village of Put-in-Bay a $1.2 million, low-interest loan to build a water line to extend service outside the village.

The reduced-interest loan will save more than $472,337 over the 20-year life of the loan.

The $3 million water line will serve 67 businesses and residents, primarily to the southwest of the village and include service to South Bass Island State Park and South Bass Island Airport.

Construction is expected to begin soon.

The water line project became a priority after an outbreak of gastrointestinal illness on the island in the summer of 2004.

The illnesses were linked to wells contaminated by high bacteria levels.