The Oregon State Marine Board held a special meeting on September 8, via teleconference, to consider two requests for grant increases for the Port of Garibaldi and the Port of Arlington. The Port of Garibaldi requested extra funds to move forward on its boarding float replacement project. The Board unanimously approved an additional $44,727.50 in state boater funds. This amount, together with the original grant award, brings the new project total to $139, 727.50. The new boarding floats will be made with fiberglass decking, which has an exceptional lifespan in coastal environments, and is the standard decking material used on all Marine Board-designed gangways over the last 20 years. The Port of Arlington requested extra funds to finalize the installation of its fuel dock, gangway and replacement of its pumpout/dump station. Costs were higher than anticipated due to the specialized work and environmental requirements. In a three to one decision, The Marine Board approved $64,021.19 in state boater funds, combined with $20,711.51 in applicant cash, $65,000 in federal Boating Infrastructure Grant funds and $38,989.66 from Clean Vessel Act funds, for an additional $188,713.36. This amount, together with the original grant award, brings the new project total to $496,713.36. Work will begin in early October. The Marine Board is funded by registration fees and marine fuel taxes paid by boaters. No general fund tax dollars are used to support the agency or its programs. Boater-paid fees go back to boaters in the form of law enforcement services (on-the-water enforcement, training and equipment), education/outreach materials and boating access facilities. For more information about the Marine Board, and its programs, visit www.boatoregon.com.
