Lake Dredging
Harness the combined strength of our communities and individuals to obtain funding and partner with ODNR, and other entities or individuals to develop a strategy for the safe and effective dredging of Indian Lake.
Announcements / Updates
3-12-2025
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Traveled to the Columbus Statehouse and met with six of our Ohio Representatives to advocate for a line item in the state budget to secure additional funding. This proposal would allocate more funds to support dredging at Indian Lake and other lakes.
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The goal is for the House of Representatives to vote in April on the funding increase, followed by a Senate vote in June. We are requesting an additional $5 million per year in the state budget (Budget Bill HB96 – Amendment Number HC-136-0400).
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This year’s immediate concern is addressing aquatic vegetation, which threatens Indian Lake’s commerce and recreation.
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THANK YOU: Ohio Representatives Monica Robb Blazdel (VP of Natural Resources Committee), Tim Barhorst, Don Jones (Chairman of Natural Resources Committee), Jeff LaRe, Jason Stephens, and Ty Mathews.
10-15-2024
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Met with ODNR Assistant Director Mindy Bankey and a large group of ODNR administrators and announced the receipt of $5 million in funding. The ILAG and the ODNR began working with the RB Jergens Company to explore options for maintaining state dredging operations. Discussions included clearing out the Dredge Material Relocation Areas (DMRAs) and identifying new locations for material placement, ensuring ODNR could continue dredging in areas where space had previously run out for the removed material. Discussion were also conducted on how dredging could possibly help with the invasive weed issue.
10-7-2024
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The ILAG was allocated the $5 million from the State of Ohio. We would like to thank Jon Cross and the Ohio General Assembly. (Funds were deposited in a separate account set aside for dredging on Oct 7th 2024) Note: No Dredging Funds were used for the No Solar Campaign or for any other ILAG expenses or other campaigns.
7-1-2024
While the check isn't in the mail just quite yet the Advocacy Group has been informed by key individuals that Indian Lake is set to receive 5 million for dredging.
5-23-2024
The Advocacy Group will be working to find out the status of the funds that Jon Cross was working on to get the Lake for Dredging.
2-9-2024
It was a beautful day at Indian Lake, as the final stop of our strategic investments tour to champion state funding for local community projects. Today, I was very proud to annoucnce $150,000 for Indian Lake Ohio Pickleball courts and a major investment of $5 million to help kickstart dredging for Indian Lake in partnership with the Indian Lake Advocacy Group. Thank you to Bud's Marine for hosting!
9-15-2023
Met with Director Mary Mertz, Assistant Director Mindy Bankey, Steve Harvey, and several other ODNR administrators, along with Jon Cross, Ryan Wheeler, Tim Hart, and Bud Christman.
The discussion focused on securing funding, introducing the dredging company, and exploring potential tools. We reviewed a variety of new options to advance dredging efforts. The ILAG inquired whether ODNR would support us in obtaining funds and collaborating with the company to overcome obstacles. We learned that the dredging company could acquire land to provide sites for dredged material placement, addressing one of the major challenges ODNR has faced in implementing a dredging plan. The meeting concluded with approval to move forward and explore potential solutions.
8-16-2022
ILAG met with Ohio Rep Jon Cross and Ryan Wheeler from a dredging company to evaluate their capabilities, tools, and experience. We determined that the R B Jergens Company could provide significantly more resources than ODNR currently has available.