Trumbull and Mahoning counties each received a share of $588,000 in Paddling Enhancement Grants from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources to increase access and opportunities for Ohioans to enjoy using hand-powered watercraft.

“Ohio continues to experience extraordinary growth in paddle sports,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said “The new Paddling Enhancement Grant provides funding for new opportunities, such as improving access sites and connecting paddlers to local amenities, which will enhance local economies and increase tourism.”

The grants are funded by Ohio’s recreational boaters through the Waterways Safety Fund, which is comprised of a share of the state motor fuel tax, watercraft registration and titling fees, and funding from the U.S. Coast Guard.

In Mahoning County, Struthers received the maximum grant amount of $75,000 to support constructing a hand-powered watercraft ramp for improved access to the Mahoning River from downtown Struthers as part of the city’s revitalization strategy and regional river restoration project, according to a news release from ODNR.

In Trumbull County, Warren received $74,118 to support improved parking areas closer to the Mahoning River for canoe and kayak launching accessibility, the release states.

The money will assist with efforts to improve recreational opportunities on the Mahoning River, which also will be aided by the planned removal of nine dams from Lowellville to Leavittsburg. The dam removal project, estimated at $26 million, is being spearheaded by the Eastgate Regional Council of Governments, which already has secured half the funding.

Funding for the dam removal project comes from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and the Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s Water Resource Restoration Sponsor Program. Eastgate is also looking at a U.S. Army Corps of Engineer’s program for funding.

Flow studies will be done prior to dam removal in Trumbull County because of concerns about the removal of the dam in Girard, which is used by McDonald Steel, and concerns about flooding in Leavittsburg if the dam is removed there, Eastgate officials said previously.

“Removing the dams will certainly make the river more paddle-able,” Zachary Svette, executive director of Trumbull County MetroParks, said previously.

Beth Carmichael, executive director of the Trumbull County Tourism Bureau, said previously the dam removal project signals tourism growth for the county.

“We’re excited with the possibility of dam removal. It allows our communities to take advantage of this under-utilized asset. A more navigable Mahoning River creates a major tourism connection for us. The river provides a peaceful setting, recreational activities, a sense of adventure and heritage, and links closely with our other outdoor assets in Trumbull County,” Carmichael said. “In 2018, we welcomed Mahoning River Adventures, kayak outfitters, to Canoe City in Leavittsburg, which is part of our Trumbull MetroParks system. This addition has brought new visitors from across the region and state to explore the river along with other stops throughout our county.”

On Saturday, visitors from Virginia were kayaking at Canoe City. They said they were in town visiting relatives.

Five other counties — Athens, Butler, Perry, Pike and Tuscarawas — also received $75,000 Paddling Enhancement Grants, while Lorain County received $32,175 and Wood County received $32,000.

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