ST. MARYS -- The Miami-Erie Canal Corridor Association (MECCA) formed a committee at its November Board Meeting to begin implementing a plan to raise funds for the construction of a canal boat museum on wheels.

Designs have been completed by Dale Grimes Sr., who also designed and supervised the construction of the "Belle of St. Marys" Canal Boat, which is currently moored in Memorial Park.

Plans call for construction on an Air Stream Trailer. The boat will be constructed mainly from metal sheeting and will be "highway legal." The MECCA Board hopes to use the boat as an educational tool at schools, festivals and gatherings in western Ohio.

MECCA Board Member Tim Metzner of the Delphos Canal Commission will chair the committee which will seek grants, foundations and private donations to fund the project which has been estimated at just over $16,000. The MECCA board will also seek educational and Ohio Humanities grants to fund the employment of an instructor to take the boat/museum to the various school districts for educational programs about the canal.

The boat will be fabricated and painted to resemble an actual canal boat. There will be three doors to the museum, all of which will be handicapped accessible to facilitate a smooth flow of traffic.

The goal is to have the boat/Museum completed in time for the Ohio Bicentennial in 2003. The MECCA board hopes to display the boat at special Bicentennial celebrations in Cincinnati and Toledo.

MECCA is looking for non-board members to serve on the committee. Anyone interested is helping with the project or making a donation is urged to contact David Stilwell at mjwriter@bright.net or contact MECCA by writing to PO Box 722, St. Marys, Ohio 45885.

For more information check out the MECCA Page at ridertown.com.