| OSMB News |
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| For Immediate Release |
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6/12/08
Marine Board Approves New Grants for Boating Safety Projects
The Oregon State Marine Board recently approved six boating safety education projects from the new “Let’s Go Boating” assistance program. Non-profit groups can apply for assistance each year if they provide a new, unique or innovative program that promotes safe boating and increases youth involvement in recreational boating. Assistance varies depending on the scope of the project and the funds available in the program. This is the first year of the “Let’s Go Boating” assistance program, coordinated through the Education/Information section of the Marine Board, which can award up to $25,000 per year.
The 2007-2008 assistance program recipients include:
- U. S. Coast Guard Flotilla 51, Coos Bay: Project includes purchasing a customized cargo trailer for traveling to various boating and water safety venues within Coos County. Awarded $7,792.
- Yachats Youth and Family Activities Program, Inc., Lincoln County. Project includes purchasing a chase boat to assist during U.S. Sailing classes. The chase boat will allow instructors to monitor, assist and rescue (if needed) sailing students during instruction. Awarded $2,388.
- Columbia Gorge Racing Association, Hood River County. Project includes purchasing three used Optis sailboats to expand the Learn-to-Sail classes for children. The class is geared toward children ages five through 14. Awarded $2,500.
- Salem Hospital Foundation, Marion and Polk Counties. Project includes building, installing and maintaining a life jacket loaner kiosks at the Mongold day-use park at Detroit Lake and one at the Wallace Marine park boat launch. Awarded $1,700.
- U.S. Coast Guard Flotilla 54, Lincoln County. Project includes building, installing and maintaining a life jacket loaner kiosk next to the Flotilla 54 safety booth, located on the north side of South Beach Marina in Newport. Awarded $652.
- Federal Lakes Recreation Committee Detroit Lake, Marion and Linn Counties. Project includes creating and printing a safety brochure that outlines known water hazards and boating facilities at or near Detroit Lake. Brochures will be distributed throughout the summer and early fall boating seasons. Awarded $2,500.
The following assistance grants were approved for the 2008-2009 fiscal year:
· Lower Columbia River Estuary Partnership, Multnomah County. Project includes in-class water safety instruction, followed by “hands-on” Willamette River experience for the Urban Youth Waterway Exploration program. At least 10 Portland Public School classrooms will participate. Awarded $1,982.
· Joe Merchep Umpqua River Foundation, Douglas County. Project includes building, installing and maintaining a life jacket loaner kiosk at Diamond Lake, and three life jacket loaner kiosks at Galesville Reservoir, River Forks and Ben Irving parks. In addition, the Foundation will also provide loaner life jackets to kids during various fishing derby’s (Cooper Creek Reservoir Derby Kids Day) so the children can participate (all children 12 and under are required to wear a properly fitting, Coast Guard –approved life jacket when in an open boat). The program promotes boating and water-related activities and supports efforts to restore fishery resources within the Umpqua basin. Awarded $7,500.
The purpose of the “Let’s Go Boating” assistance program is to help introduce children to the excitement and adventure of boating while helping local groups promote boating and water safety in their communities.
For more information about the “Let’s Go Boating” Assistance Program, visit www.boatoregon.com.
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