Rep. Daniels Secures $1.75 Million in State Capital Budget for New Portage Lakes Marine Patrol Boathouse

COLUMBUS, Ohio - State Representative Jack Daniels (R-New Franklin) announced today that $1.75 million has been secured through Ohio's Capital Budget Bill to construct a new boathouse at Portage Lakes State Park in Old State Park, providing a modern, permanent home for the marine patrol operations of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) and the Summit County Sheriff's Office.

Representative Daniels has long been a dedicated advocate for the men and women of law enforcement, consistently supporting the resources and infrastructure they need to keep Ohio communities safe. This latest investment continues that commitment.

Portage Lakes State Park is one of the most heavily used state parks in Ohio and a cornerstone of recreation and quality of life for Summit County families. With eight interconnected lakes drawing boaters, anglers, swimmers, and paddlers from across the region every season, the park stands as a defining feature of the community - a place where generations of local families have made memories on the water. Ensuring that this beloved and heavily trafficked park has the safety infrastructure to match its popularity has been a top priority for Representative Daniels.

For years, the ODNR and Summit County Sheriff's marine patrol units have operated out of an aging building on the property that has fallen into significant disrepair. The current structure, which has been in poor condition for a long time, no longer adequately supports the officers and rangers who depend on it daily to store patrol boats and equipment and to serve as a base of operations while on the water. The new boathouse will replace this outdated facility with a functional, durable space designed to meet the demands of year-round marine law enforcement and park safety operations.

"This building is a fixture for the overall Portage Lakes Community. We are looking forward to another 40 years of serving the Portage Lakes," said Sheriff Kandy Fatherlee with the Summit County Sheriff's Office. "We would like to thank State Rep Jack Daniels and his administrative team for heading up the boat house replacement project and Ohio DNR for their continued support of allowing our Marine Patrol the continual usage of this brand-new building. The construction of a brand-new facility will ensure our continual service to the Portage Lakes community and provide a safe boating experience."

The new facility will give ODNR and Summit County Sheriff's deputies a secure place to dock and store patrol boats, along with office space for use during patrol shifts. The upgrade comes amid renewed attention to boating and lake safety at Portage Lakes, following recent safety initiatives and concerns raised by area residents about crowding, boater behavior, and emergency response times on the lakes. Representative Daniels said the new boathouse directly addresses those concerns by ensuring patrol crews have the reliable, well-equipped facility they need to respond quickly and remain a visible, active presence on the water.

"The Capital Budget provides an opportunity to upgrade and modernize Ohio's facilities. Securing funds for this boathouse upgrade will allow for quicker response times and increased officer accessibility, ensuring protection for all park guests," said Mike Studeny, Park Manager, Portage Lakes State Park. "This is a much-needed improvement!"

Representative Daniels emphasized that Portage Lakes State Park is not just a recreational amenity, but a vital economic and community asset for the region - and one that deserves infrastructure investment worthy of its role in local life.

Representative Daniels thanked his colleagues in the Ohio House and Senate for their support in securing this funding through the Capital Budget process, along with ODNR and Summit County Sheriff's Office leadership for their continued partnership.