Chillicothe-based lawmaker helps secure dedicated state funding for popular Hocking County lake restoration
State Representative Mark Johnson (R-Chillicothe) played a central role in advancing dedicated funding for dredging Lake Logan, a key recreational asset in southern Ohio’s Hocking County that draws visitors from Ross County and surrounding areas.
The Ohio General Assembly recently passed House Bill 479, which includes $1,725,000 specifically designated for the Lake Logan dredging project. The measure forms part of broader capital budget efforts supporting community and state projects across Ohio.
Lake Logan State Park features a roughly 400-acre lake popular for boating, fishing, and other outdoor activities. It sits near the Hocking Hills region, a major tourism draw in southern Ohio. Restoration efforts aim to address long-term silt buildup that has affected water depth and quality. Local advocates estimate around 200,000 cubic yards of material may need removal.
Johnson, whose District 92 includes Ross County and extends into adjacent areas, organized a March 2026 meeting at the Hocking Hills Chamber of Commerce. The session brought together Ohio Department of Natural Resources officials, including Director Mary Mertz, and members of the Lake Logan Association to discuss next steps, including suitable sites for relocating dredged material.
During the meeting, Johnson pressed ODNR staff on timelines for pursuing state funding. He has also voted in support of the broader Capital Budget bill that advances regional projects.
The Lake Logan Association, formed in late 2023 by local residents concerned about the lake’s condition, has lobbied state officials for dredging as a primary restoration step. Founding member Maria Diaz-Myers credited persistent grassroots work and engagement with legislators, including Johnson, for progress on the issue.
“This gives me hope in the power of the people, of regular ordinary citizens, working together,” Diaz-Myers said after the funding passage. She noted the funding now shifts focus to practical next steps, such as final site selection for material relocation.
Earlier planning identified two main options for a dredge material relocation area: a potential purchase site on Lake Logan Road and a lease arrangement on Blosser Road. ODNR has conducted assessments on multiple locations, and further environmental reviews and permitting will follow before dredging can begin.
The project joins funding for dredging at two other Ohio lakes under the same legislation. Officials expect the dedicated allocation will help move the Lake Logan effort forward, though full implementation depends on site finalization, contracting, and seasonal factors.
For residents in Ross County and southern Ohio, the lake serves as a nearby destination for recreation and supports the regional tourism economy tied to Hocking Hills and state parks. Successful dredging could improve water quality, boating access, and long-term usability of the public resource.
Johnson has highlighted support for various local and regional initiatives during his time in office, including school bus safety grants benefiting districts in Hocking, Vinton, Perry, and Ross Counties.
The bill now heads to the governor for consideration. Local advocates continue to monitor timelines and next actions by ODNR.
