Friday, November 22, 2013

Lake County and Cuyahoga County agencies fare well in safe boating grant awards


Lake County and Cuyahoga County agencies did very well in convincing state watercraft officials that they have programs worthy of funding.

In announcing the Ohio Division of Watercraft's annual Boating Safety Education grants the state agreed to give $14,248.77 to Lake Metroparks and $18,110 to the city of Mentor.

Lake Metroparks' grant application calls for using the money to buy recreational watercraft and related equipment as well as help pay for personnel training who then will use their knowledge in various public programs.

Mentor likewise will buy some recreational watercraft and associated gear as well as personnel training. In addition, the city's recreation department will use some of the funds to assist in advertising Mentor's watercraft programs.

In Cuyahoga County, five entities received grants. Among them were Cleveland Metroparks ($28,529) and the Greater Cleveland Safety Council ($15.871.51).

Cleveland Metroparks will use its share to buy stand-up paddle boards, life jackets and other gear for the agency's recreational educational programing.

The Safety Council has earmarked its grant to advertise and promote the annual North Coast Boating and Fishing Festival, held each summer in downtown Cleveland.

In all, the Division of Watercraft allocated more than $308,000 to 22 community-based safe boating programs.

All money came from the recreational boating registration and titling fees, some funding from the U.S. Coast Guard, as well as that portion of the state motor fuel tax devoted to recreational boating.

No Ohio General Revenue monies are ever used to support such activities.
 
- Jeffrey L. Frischkorn

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