Oregon to put $3.5 million toward boat access
SALEM, Ore. – The Oregon State Marine Board has granted $3.5 million for boating access projects in the 2005-2007 biennium, it reported in a recent statement.
The projects, when combined with federal and local funds, will result in boating facility enhancements worth an estimated $9 million, the board said. The funding decisions were reached during the board meeting held in Newport on Tuesday, June 28.
“The Marine Board is pleased to be able to help our partners around the state build these facilities. From new ramps and restrooms to better parking lots, these projects will give boaters safer and more functional places to launch their boats and park their trailers,” said Wayne Shuyler, Facilities Program Manager and Deputy Director for the Oregon State Marine Board. “All of the state funds in these grants come from fees and fuel taxes paid by boaters. We are excited to invest this money back into local sites throughout Oregon where they can be enjoyed by all boaters.”
Marine Board funds come from boat registration and titling fees and state motorboat fuel tax. No general fund tax dollars are used in the program. The Marine Board received additional federal funds through the Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) and the Clean Vessel Act (CVA) programs.
The BIG program is administered through the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services (USFWS) as authorized by the Sportfishing and Boating Partnership Act of 1998. It is funded by a federal excise tax on motorboat fuel. CVA funds are also granted to states by the USFWS with the goal of reducing boating-related sewage from entering the water. The Oregon Department of Fish & Wildlife also contributed $1.3 million for 13 boating projects from federal Sport Fish Restoration funds it administers.
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