COLUMBUS, OH -- Twenty-seven Ohio law enforcement agencies will receive a total of $500,000 in Marine Patrol Grants to help keep state waterways safe, the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) announced today. The grants are the highest amount ever awarded by ODNR’s Division of Watercraft to assist local marine patrols in their boating safety and enforcement efforts.

"Marine Patrol Grants allow us to pool our resources with local communities to have a greater enforcement presence on Ohio’s waterways," said ODNR Division of Watercraft Chief Jeff Hoedt. "Local waterway enforcement programs are vital in providing safer boating opportunities for everyone. The grants are awarded on a cost share basis."

The ODNR Division of Watercraft administers Ohio's boating program. The division oversees boat registration and titling operations, provides funding to local communities for education, enforcement and boating facilities, educates the public and enforces boating laws on Ohio's waterways. These programs are user-funded through boat registration fees and through a portion of state and federal motor fuel taxes.

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(EDITORS NOTE: CLICK FOR A LIST OF GRANT RECIPIENTS)

For Further Information Contact:
Dennis Evans, ODNR Division of Watercraft
(614) 265-6695
-or-
Andy Ware, ODNR Media Relations
(614) 265-6882