by Wayne Allen

Wallen@

communitycommon.com

fficials with the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Division of Watercraft held a groundbreaking ceremony on December 11th for what will become the new Scioto County Field Office. the project is expected to cost $2.38 million and take about a year to construct. The office will be located near the Greenup Locks and Dam.

"This is a great time for Southern Ohio," Dean Palmer, ODNR Watercraft Area Supervisor said.

Many state, federal and local officials were in attendance to help celebrate the occasion.

"This office will enhance Ohio's ability to serve the boating community in Southern Ohio," Sean Logan, Director of ODNR said. "The office is strategically located at the (Greenup) dam. The (Greenup) lock (and dam) is rated as one of the busiest by U.S. Army Corps. of Engineers. Watercrafts presence here will provide our officers quick response upstream, downstream and to the dam its self."

He said the new area office represents a long term commitment by ODNR to serve boaters needs better in the Ohio River Valley Region.

The general contractor for the project will be Stockmeister Enterprises, the plumbing contractor will be AJ Stockmeister, electrical contractor will be West End Electric with the mechanical contractor being BB & E Inc.

The Ohio Department Of Transportation (ODOT) in conjunction with the Scioto County Commissioners deeded the land to ODNR for the purpose of building the new facility.

"By transferring this property from one agency to another, we are better serving the needs of both (agencies) as well as the needs of the tax payers and the visitors of the great state of Ohio," James Brushart, ODOT Deputy Director, District 9 said.

"Now more than ever government partnerships whether federal, state or local, are that much more important to make sure Ohioans have free access to outdoor recreation that is safe, fun and interesting," Logan said. "Having such a facility in one location is excellent."

Logan said that he looks for this building to provide enhanced education and law enforcement opportunities.

"This will provide a tremendous value to the citizens of Ohio for many years to come. This complex will not only improve the Department of Nature Resources position to carry out its missions. It will also serve as a strategic hub of partnership between its many federal, local and state agencies," CMDR Chris Palmer, United States Coast Guard, Huntington said. "This new facility will truly be an added value for many years to come for the state of Ohio. The Coast Guard looks forward to seeing this facility open in 2010 and to continuing its close working relationship with the great men and women that carry out the states watercraft responsibilities on a daily basis."

Pamela Dillon, ODNR Watercraft, Chief was on hand to give some remarks. "We have recognized the need to have a boating facility in the southern part of the state for a very long time," she said.

ODNR Watercraft has offices in downtown Portsmouth and has been there for a number of years.

"We recognize that in order to fulfill our mission to the state's boaters, there is a lot of need for an expanded facility," Dillon said. "Our mission as the Division of Watercraft is to provide the finest in boating services, facilities, protection and education for users of Ohio's waterways, through the innovative wise use of our resources. We believe this new facility will address all of those opportunities."

The facility once complete will house workspace for a supervisor and seven Division of Watercraft officers. There will be an evidence room for temporary and permanent evidence.

The facility will also have a large conference room/training/class room, a five vehicle bay along with 40 parking spaces.

There will be a number of "green" components to the building with the use of natural lighting, low-voltage lighting, low-flow faucets. The carpet will be made with recycled materials, there will be rain barrels to reduce exterior watering along with a number of other features.

"This (new facility) will give us an opportunity to address some of the heightened security issues especially this part of the river. The facility will be much more efficient for our type of response and use," Dillon told the Common. "Also, during some of the flood event we will have the opportunity to serve as a location where emergency response crews can work."

She said contractors should be digging dirt before the end of the year. Officials hope to be in the building in December of 2010.