News Release

COLUMBUS, OH -- Grant applications are now being accepted by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) for communities and organizations wanting to teach or promote boating safety education. Applications must be post marked by April 16.

Grants ranging from $500 to $15,000 will be awarded on a cost-share basis, with grant recipients providing at least 25 percent of the total project cost.

According to the ODNR Division of Watercraft, priority will be given to proposals that offer ODNR's eight-hour Ohio Boating Education Course or any other approved education course that will meet the requirements of Ohio's new mandatory boating education program, which takes effect January 1, 2000.

The new law requires persons born on or after January 1, 1982 to provide proof of successful completion of an approved boating course or a proficiency test in order to operate a boat greater than ten horsepower.

Schools, camps, scout organizations, as well as local park and recreation departments and other non-profit organizations, are encouraged to apply for grant funding. Earlier this year, ODNR awarded a total of $71,000 in similar boating safety education grants.

Applications for the Ohio Boating Safety Education Grants are available by calling (614) 265-6480 or writing to the ODNR Division of Watercraft, 4435 Fountain Square Drive, Columbus, OH 43224-1386. An application is also available on the Internet at: www.dnr.state.oh.us/odnr/watercraft/grant/bseg.htm