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rapala11 -> pymatuning hp increase news: (5/15/2008 11:59:13 AM)
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received this today:
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State Representative Deborah Newcomb
For Immediate Release: Thursday, May 15, 2008
Contact: Brian Morgan, Legislative Aide (614) 466-1405
Rep. Newcomb Seeks Public Input on Pymatuning Lake Horsepower Limits
Proposed Legislation Would Increase Motor Limits to 20 Horsepower
COLUMBUS – State Representative Deborah Newcomb (D-Conneaut) today announced plans to introduce legislation to increase horsepower limits on Pymatuning Lake. The proposed legislation is recommended by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources and would institute a 20 horsepower limit for all watercraft.
“The aim of this legislation is to remove the confusion surrounding the Pymatuning Lake Compact, which is the agreement between Ohio and Pennsylvania to govern Pymatuning Lake,” Rep. Newcomb said. “The Ohio Department of Natural Resources is looking to increase the horsepower limits from 9.9 to 20 for all boats on Pymatuning Lake. This will welcome more boating opportunities for residents in Ohio and Pennsylvania so they can enjoy this wonderful resource.”
The legislation has the support of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, the Pymatuning Lake Association, the North Shore Boat Club, the Pymatuning Yacht Club, and many individual boaters who use the lake. Specifically, it would:
Improve Boater Safety: Boats are much larger now than when the current 9.9 horsepower limit was set in the 1960’s. Boaters will be better protected by having appropriately-rated motors for their watercraft, especially in inclement weather, when large boats can be difficult to maneuver.
Enhance State Enforcement: Current law allows different types of boats to use motors of various sizes. Instituting a flat 20 horsepower limit is much easier to enforce and still allows boaters to use motors with ratings of 9.9, 15, 18 or 20 horsepower because they have the same block size. Any motors that produce 25 horsepower or more have a larger block size and are easily spotted.
Benefit the Local Economy: Raising horsepower limits will encourage more boaters to use Pymatuning Lake. An increase in visitors will result in more tourism dollars entering the local economy.
Preserve the Environment: Pennsylvania did not document any noise or other complaints when it instituted an increase from 9.9 to 20 horsepower on all other inland lakes in that state.
“Too many people are confused about what boats are allowed on the water because of differences in Ohio and Pennsylvania law,” Rep. Newcomb said. “I feel my bill for Ohio complements our neighbor’s own regulations and streamlines efforts to open the waters to more people seeking recreation.
“I want to ensure that everyone is able to voice their opinion. I encourage anyone interested in this issue to contact my office to share their personal experiences and ideas.”
Public comments may be directed to district99@ohr.state.oh.us or (614) 466-1405.
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