Boating Safety Grant Program

The federal Boat Safety Account is the primary funding source for Idaho's Boating Safety Program. This federal program was established by Congress in 1972 and is administered nationally by the U.S. Coast Guard. These grant funds are generated from a portion of the federal motorboat fuel tax and can only be used for boating safety purposes.

The Congressional intent is for states to enhance their boating safety efforts and substantially reduce the number of boating accidents and fatalities, while at the same time promoting recreational boating.

The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation administers the Boat Safety Grant and the Boating Safety Program for the State. IDPR's board and director establish grant policy guidelines and approve or deny projects for funding. Because other units of government perform the majority of the boating safety duties in Idaho, IDPR subgrants a large portion of these funds, mostly to county sheriffs' offices.

Grants are typically given for law enforcement and public education salaries, fuel, uniforms and law enforcement supplies and equipment.

Boating Safety Grants - The Program in Brief

Purpose

To enhance boating safety in Idaho. The grants usually require a 50 percent match. The funds can only be used for boating safety (law enforcement, boat accident search and rescue, and public education) and some restricted boating facilities.

Budget

About $600,000 annually, from federal motorboat fuel tax.

Who Receives the Funding?

Counties, sheriff's departments, and other agencies or organizations that can demonstrate evidence of responsibility in providing public boating safety services.

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