Ohio DNR and Mercer officials fishing for answer to Grand Lake problems

The Berne Tri-Weekly News:

The amount of funding available to dredge the stricken Grand Lake St. Marys was tripled on Friday, thanks to an amendment tacked on to the state's transportation budget by Ohio State Senator Keith Faber, a Republican from Celina. The amendment, which was approved by the state senate, provides an additional $750,000 to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources for the dredging and related disposal.

"Grand Lake St. Marys is a tremendous asset to our region, and it is crucial that we take corrective steps now to help avoid the algae blooms and toxin outbreaks that inhibited peoples' ability to enjoy the lake for much of last year," Faber said in a statement accompanying his recommendation.