Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger's 2006-'07 budget includes an $11 million boost to California's Department of Boating and Waterways.
The $83.5 million budget provides an additional $2.5 million for boating law enforcement aid to local governments for a total of $10.6 million. The additional funding is a result of a $10 increase in vessel registration fees, which is collected every two years.
Another $225,000 in federal funds was added to the boating law enforcement equipment grant program as well, increasing that program's budget to $1.2 million.
"With more boats on the water each year, additional law enforcement is needed to provide for public safety," said Raynor Tsuneyoshi, director of Cal Boating, in a statement.
The budget also includes funding to improve public access boating projects, which support tourism and generate revenue for public and private sectors, Tsuneyoshi added.
The budget includes:
? $24.5 million for loans to public agencies to construct and improve marinas
? $3.5 million for loans to marina owners to construct and improve marinas
? $9.6 million for grants to public agencies to construct and improve boat launches
? $5.9 million to construct and improve boating facilities on state lands
? $1.5 million for beach erosion control and restoration projects
? $500,000 for abandoned watercraft abatement grants
? $10 million in federal funds for boating safety and education, including sewage pumpout education
Funding for Cal Boating comes primarily from boating gasoline taxes, vessel registration fees and loan repayments.
