04-15-2010, 11:10 AM
COLUMBUS, OH - Improving the safety of Ohio's waterways and enhancing recreational boating for Ohio's estimated 3 million boaters is the focus of grant funding awarded to 28 local marine patrol units, according to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), Division of Watercraft.
The 2010 Marine Patrol Assistance Grants will help local law enforcement agencies provide emergency response to boating-related incidents, conduct routine waterway patrols and purchase safety equipment for use on marine patrol vessels. Grant funding is provided by the state's Waterways Safety Fund, which is largely comprised of watercraft registration and titling fees, a share of the state motor fuels tax and funding from the U.S. Coast Guard.
A total of $557,003 in grant funding will be awarded this year, up from $539,276 awarded in 2009. Three of the marine patrol units are located along the Ohio River (Hamilton, Lawrence and Scioto counties) and 11 marine patrol units are located along Lake Erie, including law enforcement agencies in Toledo, Port Clinton, Put-in-Bay, Huron, Vermilion, Lorain and Rocky River. Remaining marine patrol units receiving funding assistance from the Division of Watercraft are located elsewhere across the state with four agencies located in the greater central Ohio area, including Columbus.
A listing of the Marine Patrol Assistance grant recipients can be found online. For more information about the Division of Watercraft, visit www.ohiodnr.com/watercraft .
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.
Media Contact
John Wisse, ODNR Division of Watercraft<br />
614. 265. 6695
Heidi Hetzel-Evans, ODNR Media Relations<br />
614. 265. 6860
The 2010 Marine Patrol Assistance Grants will help local law enforcement agencies provide emergency response to boating-related incidents, conduct routine waterway patrols and purchase safety equipment for use on marine patrol vessels. Grant funding is provided by the state's Waterways Safety Fund, which is largely comprised of watercraft registration and titling fees, a share of the state motor fuels tax and funding from the U.S. Coast Guard.
A total of $557,003 in grant funding will be awarded this year, up from $539,276 awarded in 2009. Three of the marine patrol units are located along the Ohio River (Hamilton, Lawrence and Scioto counties) and 11 marine patrol units are located along Lake Erie, including law enforcement agencies in Toledo, Port Clinton, Put-in-Bay, Huron, Vermilion, Lorain and Rocky River. Remaining marine patrol units receiving funding assistance from the Division of Watercraft are located elsewhere across the state with four agencies located in the greater central Ohio area, including Columbus.
A listing of the Marine Patrol Assistance grant recipients can be found online. For more information about the Division of Watercraft, visit www.ohiodnr.com/watercraft .
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.
Media Contact
John Wisse, ODNR Division of Watercraft<br />
614. 265. 6695
Heidi Hetzel-Evans, ODNR Media Relations<br />
614. 265. 6860