Camp Perry getting $63,000 for flooding repair

COLUMBUS — Aid from Ohio’s State Controlling Board is on the way to help address extensive flooding damage the Camp Perry Joint Training Center suffered earlier this year. 

According to a news release from State Rep D.J. Swearingen, R-Huron, the board approved an allocation totaling nearly $63,000 to fund emergency repairs for affected structures at Camp Perry. 

“Due to intense flooding from earlier this year, the request was submitted for this funding to assist with the cleanup,” Swearingen said in the release. 

In May, a major Nor’easter storm from off the coast of Lake Erie ripped through Ottawa County, causing havoc and damage across much of the shoreline over the Memorial Day weekend. 

The widespread flooding that weekend even led to the initial cancellation of Port Clinton’s annual Walleye Festival, one of the region’s most popular events, after essentially all of Waterworks Park was underwater. A scaled-down version of the festival was ultimately rescheduled and held the following weekend. 

At least five state routes in Ottawa County were closed due to flooding and debris for about 24 hours following the initial storm, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation.

At the Camp Perry Joint Training Center, which is operated by the Adjutant General’s Department in coordination with the Ohio Army National Guard, flooding there reached the point of requiring emergency services to pump water out of several buildings. 

These board funds will address those damages. 

“I’m thankful to the Controlling Board on approving this important request for the Camp Perry Joint Training Center right here in the 89th District,” Swearingen said.