[OSMB-News] News Release -Marine Board Offers Funding for Boating Safety Programs

[Ashley MASSEY]

For Immediate Release	Date: Wednesday, February 18, 2009

Marine Board Offers Funding for Boating Safety Programs	

	
The Oregon State Marine Board is seeking applicants for its "Let's Go Boating" Assistance Program.  Funding is available for non-profit organizations (501(c) 3) that promote boating safety education in their communities or increase youth involvement in recreational boating.  Funds of up to $2,500 are awarded to individual boating safety groups each year.

"Applications from non-profit organizations are being accepted until March 31, 2009," says MariAnn Koloszar, Education Coordinator for the Marine Board.  "We're encouraging groups who promote boating safety to apply right now."   In 2008, the SafeKids Coalition -Willamette Chapter partnered with Salem Hospital and the City of Salem and received a grant for a life jacket loaner kiosk at Wallace Marine Park and another at Detroit Lake.  Grant funds paid for the materials, and Boy Scout volunteers constructed the kiosk from conceptual plans provided by the Marine Board.  "We're interested in receiving applications from groups with innovative programs that get kids involved in recreational boating," adds Koloszar.  
 
"There's plenty of time to submit applications*the 2009 boating season is just around the corner, and now is a perfect time to start planning your boating education ideas," Koloszar says.

For more information and the application packet, contact MariAnn Koloszar at (503) 378-5158 or visit www.boatoregon.com/OSMB/BoatEd/EdGrants.shtml.
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Ashley A. Massey
Public Affairs Specialist
Oregon State Marine Board
503-378-2623
503-378-8587 ext. 82623
ashley.massey at state.or.us

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