State to spend about $300,000 to repair fish research building

SANDUSKY — The state fish scientists who work in downtown Sandusky are getting a new roof. The State Controlling Board Monday approved releasing about $290,000 to install a new roof at the Sandusky Fish Research Unit office at 305 E. Shoreline Drive in Sandusky. The office is part of the Ohio Division of Wildlife and does research on the fish population in Lake Erie.The money will be used to install a new roof on the building, including gutters and downspouts. Doors and metal siding on the wet lab and storage building will be replaced as needed, with all work to be finished by June 2020."The metal roof was installed in 1990 and has exceeded its useful life. The gutter system has failed and the roof leaks in numerous places. Repairs have been made in recent years, but the roof continues to leak," the Ohio Division of Wildlife stated in a document submitted to the State Controlling Board."Fisheries research units play a vital role in managing healthy and thriving walleye populations," said Kendra Wecker, chief of the Ohio Division of Wildlife. "Our data predicts strong walleye populations in Lake Erie for the next several years, and we want to keep it that way."Staff members have a research vessel and lab and carry out research that helps the state manage valuable fish populations such as walleye and yellow perch and track conditions in Lake Erie affecting the fish.The controlling board provides legislative oversight for spending.The Sandusky Fisheries Research Unit is getting a new roof.