Guest Column from State Representative Jim Buchy
Commitment Remains to Restoring Grand Lake St. Marys
The past three summers in the Grand Lake St. Marys region have not been an ideal situation for our local communities. The constant question on our minds during these winter months is; will the algae be back next year; and will it be less troublesome or more than the past few years? Each year at the lake has been slightly different. However; local and state commitment to working on this issue has never changed.
In the past two and a half years the state has allocated millions of dollars to this issue of state dollars and federal dollars. In addition, locally the Grand Lake St. Marys Restoration Commission has provided a voice for the local people in regards to the lake’s management and future. The Lake Improvement Association has united the lake community for common goals and provided a setting for the community to learn about the water quality issues at the lake.
The agriculture community understands that their methods need to change as a part of the efforts to clean up the lake. Approximately 85% of the qualifying livestock farmers in the Grand Lake St. Mary’s watershed have submitted their nutrient management plans in accordance with the “Watershed in Distress Rules” developed by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR). One hundred and thirty two local farmers went above the requirements to complete a more detailed comprehensive nutrient management plan. Those farmers should be commended for their willingness to make a commitment to the future of our region.
Senator Faber and I remain committed in the legislative body to providing support for Grand Lake St. Marys. The best support for the lake has been from the local people and that is a testament to the good people that live in Mercer and Auglaize counties. We will work with the individuals on the ground and provide them the tools they need for the future success of the Grand Lake St. Marys.
With reapportionment my office email has changed to rep84@ohiohouse.gov. Please follow this quick URL to complete an online survey and give me your thoughts to guide priorities for the next General Assembly: http://twelio.com/3cg0hb
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As the 129th General Assembly ends, we can reflect on two years of legislative success. Governor Kasich led a team of people who share his passion for bringing jobs to this state and cutting the size of Government. There is continued work needed to build Ohio’s economy, and the struggles of our federal government threaten our continued growth. In the past two years, as the national economy has started to stabilize Ohio’s job growth and business friendly environment out performed neighboring states and was one of the top nationwide.
Over this time, we have opened our ears and listened to the concerns of workers and employers. When you have had a problem I hope I have been able to help solve that problem. Your continued input and ideas are needed to guide our legislative activity in the next two years. Please complete an online survey at the link provided to help guide legislative priorities for the 130th General Assembly.
Thank you again for your continued communication with my office. In the next General Assembly you will be able to email me at rep84@ohiohouse.gov. Due to reapportionment our email addresses will be changing on January 1st.
Sincerely,
Jim Buchy
State Representative
77th Ohio House District