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Officials: Ohio to Ease Seaplane Landing Rules at Lakes

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A state agency wants to expand the number of Ohio lakes where seaplane pilots can take off and land.

The Columbus Dispatch reports the expansion would allow pilots to use certain lakes without first obtaining state permits.

Grand Lake St. Marys is the only Ohio lake where permits aren’t required.

Republican state Sen. Bill Coley of Butler County’s Liberty Township is pushing for the expansion. Coley, a licensed pilot, says he wants to enhance travel and tourism in Ohio.

An Ohio Department of Natural Resources spokesman says the agency will ask the Federal Aviation Administration to designate Buckeye Lake, Indian Lake, Long Lake and Salt Fork Reservoir as seaplane bases for pilots to use freely.

It’s unclear when the changes would take effect.

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