“We are mindful that as we are opening access, tragedies can happen.”
In the wake of the drowning of a man fishing in Scioto Brush Creek last weekend, Scioto County Commissioner Scottie Powell says adding more water access points that could enable first responders to get to people in distress in the water faster is a complicated issue.
According to Scioto County Commissioner Scottie Powell, “We’re looking at least two more access points on Scioto Brush Creek.” He pointed out that county cannot tell local townships to add access points. “The issue is, they have to control the land. They can either partner with land owners or figure out if there is public land directly connected to the water.”
Powell pointed out that commissioners had set aside $94,000 for additional swift water rescue equipment to outfit fire departments along the waterway.
“For Scioto Brush Creek, we’re trying to figure out two additional sites right now. The public access is at the Otway Covered Bridge and the nature preserve that’s controlled by ODNR. Outside of that, there’s not public access on that waterway.“ Powell said he would encourage townships to find partners. “Most of the time, our community is a giving community. I think they could easily find people who would allow them to cross.”