|
October 3, 2006
$1 MILLION IN STATE BOATING GRANTS AVAILABLE TO LOCAL COMMUNITIES IN 2007
Deadlines Nearing For Boating Education, Marine Patrol and Marina Development
Grant Applications
COLUMBUS, OH - Approximately $1 million in various community-based boating program grants will be available in the state next year, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
Funding for these grant programs is provided by the ODNR Division of Watercraft through the Ohio Waterways Safety Fund, which consists of a share of the state motor fuels tax, watercraft registration and titling fees, and money from the U.S. Coast Guard.
Boating Safety Education Grants
The application deadline for Boating Safety Education Grants is October 27. These grants assist local organizations in their efforts to increase boating education and help young boaters meet provisions of Ohio’s mandatory boater education law. In 2006, a total of 26 organizations received $352,661 in boating education program grants. Nearly 10,000 Ohioans have completed an approved boater safety education program in 2006.
Navigational Aid Grants/ Recreation Marine Loan Program
November 1 is the deadline to apply for Navigational Aid Grants and for participation in the state’s new Recreation Marine Loan program.
Up to $50,000 is set aside each year by the Division of Watercraft to help local political subdivisions purchase buoys and signs, marking waterways within their jurisdictions. These Navigational Aid Grants require no local match.
The Recreation Marine Loan program creates relationships among the Division of Watercraft, marina developers and financial lending institutions to provide increased public dockage for Ohio boaters.
Marine Patrol Assistance Grants
Local law enforcement agencies have until December 30 to submit applications for Marine Patrol Assistance Grants. These grants will support local marine law enforcement activities during 2007. In 2006, a record $575,244 was awarded to 29 Ohio law enforcement agencies for marine patrol activities.
Application forms and additional information on these and other grant programs are available on the Internet at ohiodnr.com, and by calling toll-free in Ohio 1-877-4-BOATER.
|