ASHTABULA — The Ashtabula Lighthouse soon will get a floating access ramp and dock, thanks to the sale of special license plates.

The Ashtabula Lighthouse Restoration and Preservation Society will receive a $15,000 grant from the Lake Erie Protection Fund to build the dock out at the lighthouse. Work will begin the first week in August. The money in the fund comes from Ohio residents who purchase the special Ohio Lighthouse license plates.

“Our small group of dedicated volunteers is trying to save the Ashtabula Lighthouse, and now today, we can smile just a little more,” said Joe Santiana, president. “This will be the first real step in the restoration process for our group.”

Last year, the group made eight trips out to the lighthouse to evaluate the structure and plan future work.

“Then as the fall weather hit Ashtabula Harbor,” Santiana said. “Any additional work that we might have wanted to complete ended.”

Vice President Lloyd Bogue said the group did not want to take it easy and wait out the winter weather.

“We met several times last fall and also many times during the winter at my home — which just happens to sit on the edge of the Lake Erie shore,” Bogue said. “At every meeting, sitting just down the coast a short ways, we could see the ice covered lighthouse waiting for us to return.”

Several possibilities for funding were discussed at these meetings and applications were filled out by secretary Lorna Greicius.

Treasurer Debbie Santiana applied to First Energy. Santiana’s husband, Joe, dropped in on the Ashtabula Township Lowe’s store to talk to the manager and filled out its grant application. All the while, Bogue contacted possible grant writers and other foundations for information and applications.

The fruits of their labor began to pay off March 19, when the Lake Erie Commission in Sandusky met at Ottawa National Wildlife Refuge in Ottawa County and approved four applications for funding. The Ashtabula Lighthouse Society was one of those applications. The estimated cost: $35,500. A bid was submitted by Con-o-lift Floating Dock Systems to build the project.”

The dock will be “U” in shape with a multi-level gangway that floats with the rising waves. The dock will be built on the sheltered, west side of the lighthouse. This system will provide easy access to those working on the restoration of the building, as well as future workers and visitors.

“Now we need to somehow come up with the other $20,000 to complete the project,” Debbie Santiana said. “The Ashtabula Lighthouse Restoration and Preservation Society has the money has enough to complete the dock project, but by doing this. It will clean out our present savings.”

Members worry this withdrawal would cause an undo hardship on the organization. Anyone who would like to help may call Joe Santiana (440) 224-0750 or Lloyd Bogue at (440) 466-5045.

A fish fry fundraiser is planned for July 26 at Lake Shore Park.