June 17, 2004

TOLEDO HARBOR LIGHTHOUSE TO BE FEATURED ON
NEW LAKE ERIE LICENSE PLATE

Toledo Lighthouse

TOLEDO, OH – The historic Toledo Harbor Lighthouse decorates Ohio’s newest commemorative license plate, giving motorists another way to display their love for Lake Erie and contribute to the lake’s protection.  Unveiled here today at a meeting of the Ohio Lake Erie Commission, the new plate design will be offered in addition to the Marblehead Lighthouse license plate, which has been Ohio’s most popular specialty license plate since its introduction in 1993.  Proceeds from the sale of these commemorative license plates benefit the Lake Erie Protection Fund.

This year marks the 100-year anniversary of the Toledo Lighthouse, a three-story Romanesque structure that guards Toledo Harbor leading to the mouth of the Maumee River.  The lighthouse was built in 1904 after the federal government dredged a deep-water channel linking Lake Erie and the Maumee River at the Port of Toledo’s entrance.  At that time, the structure was considered the most modern lighthouse anywhere in the world.  The lighthouse was automated in 1965 and still operates today with its original Fresnel lens.

A set of Lake Erie license plates costs Ohioans an additional $25 above regular vehicle registration fees at the time of purchase and with each annual renewal, with $15 from each sale going to the Lake Erie Protection Fund.  Administered by the Ohio Lake Erie Commission, the fund supports research and implementation projects, restoration and education efforts to protect and enhance Lake Erie.  Since the creation of Ohio’s first Lake Erie license plate in 1993, approximately 500,000 plates have been sold throughout the state, generating more than $7,500,000 for the Lake Erie Protection Fund.  Both of the lighthouse license plate designs are the work of Ohio artist Ben Richmond.

Toledo Lighthouse

“For more than 10 years, Ohioans have shown their support of our Great Lake by purchasing thousands of Lake Erie license plates,” said Chris Jones, Director of Ohio EPA and Chairman of the Ohio Lake Erie Commission.  “In celebration of the 100-year anniversary of the Toledo Harbor Lighthouse, it seemed fitting that we create a new plate to recognize this landmark, which has been such an important part of Toledo’s history.”

As with other Ohio license plates, the Lake Erie plates may be personalized, at additional cost, with reserved or “vanity” letter/number combinations.  Further information is available by calling the BMV toll-free hotline at 1-800-589-TAGS or by visiting their web site at www.oplates.com. 

The Ohio Lake Erie Commission was established to preserve Lake Erie's natural resources, water quality and ecosystem. It also promotes economic development in the region.  The commission oversees the Lake Erie Protection Fund and distributes grants that focus on improving the quality of Lake Erie and to furthering the goals laid out in the Lake Erie Protection & Restoration Plan.

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For Further Information Contact:
Jane Beathard, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6860