The Knox County Sheriff’s Office was one of 24 agencies to receive a 2023 Marine Patrol Assistance Grant from the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR).
The $21,788 the Sheriff’s Office received was part $579,653 that ODNR awarded to help keep Ohio waterways safe and enhance recreational boating experiences, according to a press release.
“As boating in Ohio gains in popularity, ODNR appreciates the help from local community partners to deliver critical services,” ODNR Director Mary Mertz said. “These grants enable local law enforcement agencies to help protect boaters, canoers, and kayakers, and the lakes and streams they enjoy.”
The grants will enable local law enforcement agencies will provide emergency response to boating-related incidents, conduct routine waterway patrols and purchase safety equipment for use on marine patrol vessels.
In Ohio, 653,136 boats were registered in 2022, an increase of more than 9,000 registrations from the previous year. Ohio’s paddle sports were also an area of growth among water sports lovers. Last year, Ohioans registered 320,807 paddle craft, a 3% increase, or 10,804 registrations.
The funding comes from the state’s Waterways Safety Fund, supported by the state motor fuel tax, watercraft registration and titling fees, plus funds from the U.S. Coast Guard. According to the press release, the Division of Parks and Watercraft provides outdoor recreation and boating opportunities by balancing outstanding customer service, education, protection, and conservation of Ohio’s state parks and waterways.
Essential boating safety information is available at watercraft.ohiodnr.gov.
.webp)
.webp)
