Captian Ahoy http://www.gcba.us/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/Captain-.-.-.-Ahoy.pdf

Boat US Towing discount information

Boating Safety

This past summer, there was an increase in the number of new boaters heading out on Lake Erie. As seasoned boaters, we are well aware that novice boaters are dangerous. In an effort to aid in common mariner practices, our organization is offering assistance with local authorities to remind others of best practices. 

 

N&S 1 Bridge

There have been many reports of recreational and commercial vessels being held up at the first bridge at the mouth of the Cuyahoga River. We ask that if you encounter long delays at the bridge, you file a bridge_delay_report. This will hopefully limit the delays of boating traffic held by the bridge. You can also go to the Public Notice for Bridges at https://www.navcen.uscg.gov/D9BN for bridge information.

Homeland Security

GCBA regularly attends regular meetings involving Lake Erie and the South Shore. We are notified of all alerts and notices to Mariners to keep our country and borders safe. Recently, we have some information as to what US Immigrations & Customs will require recreational boaters to do when traveling from the US and Canada. Please keep in mind that this information can change and could change on a day to day basis. Please check the website regularly for updates. See: Department of Homeland Security website

Cleveland Lakefront Plan

Since the summer of 2002, The GCBA has been actively involved in the Cleveland Lakefront planning process. We have a member of our Political Action team as a representative for recreational boating on the Cleveland Lakefront. We have attended many public and committee meetings representing all boating interests on Cleveland’s Lakefront.

We have formed a Committee in GCBA called Recreational Boaters Protecting Cleveland’s Waterfront. They have been meeting monthly to look at the plans, and keep a watchful eye on the Lakefront planning process. We are also trying to work with the City of Cleveland and the City Planning Commission to make our lakefront better for boating and for everyone that enjoys our entire lakefront.

As of September of 2005, the City of Cleveland has unveiled its master plan for Cleveland’s Lakefront. It has been revised many times. See the Cleveland Waterfront District Plan website

GCBA Political Action Report Jan 2022

1. More action on giving area residents access to the Lake Erie shoreline.  Euclid… the Western Reserve Land Conservancy has purchased a 29-acre site that sits on part of the old Euclid Beach amusement park property.

“We have an opportunity to kind of reimagine this neighborhood, reimagine that lakefront in that part of our city,” said Matt Zone of the Western Reserve Land Conservancy. “Less than 6% of the Lake Erie shoreline is publicly accessible, and in Cleveland it’s a little bit less than that.”

• Efforts to curb invasive species in the Great Lakes…. The governors of eight Great Lakes states sent a letter to Congress requesting full federal funding for the Brandon Road Lock and Dam project to help keep invasive carp out of the Great Lakes.

Full federal funding is sought…. Illinois is the non-federal sponsor, since the project is in Illinois at a chokepoint on the Des Plaines River below the Chicago Area Waterway System.

Michigan and Illinois have signed an agreement whereby Michigan provided $8 million of the approximately $10 million non-federal cost share of the project. The governors’ letter asks for full federal funding for the remainder of the design, construction, engineering and maintenance of the Brandon Road work.

• federal funding is sought…. Port Clinton is looking to solve the Lakeshore Drive erosion problem with help from the federal government. A $1M estimated to be needed to move the roadway some 7 feet south and pave the exposed area along the shoreline.
• Project Icebreaker

The Ohio Supreme court heard arguments in December 2021 related to a lawsuit filed by two Bratenahl residents. This case is considered by some to be the last legal hurdle facing the construction of windmills. The issue is lack of a required detailed environmental impact assessment. Specifically damage to migrating birds. Final decision not posted at this time. Requirement is for a two-year radar study in the intended construction area before construction and again after construction. This could add a minimum two-year delay in the project opposed by many groups including GCBA. Additionally, funding is currently inadequate and may further erode given the delay.

John Brock

Dave Richards

GCBA Political Action Committee

01/15/2021