Marine Board Approves Grants In Coos Co., April 23

The Oregon State Marine Board met in Salem on April 18, and approved a new rule for Lake Billy Chinook, corrected a prior meeting’s rule language error, approved Cycle Two boating facility grants and gave agency staff direction for their 2019-2021 budget and legislative fee concept. Chair Val Early announced at the beginning of the meeting that Member Cliff Jett (Rufus, OR) was stepping down from the Board.  Jett joined the Board in 2013 and was serving his second term.  Chair Early thanked him for all of his time and experience on the Board, as well as the on-the-ground representation he provided to eastern Oregon’s recreational boaters.  The Board hopes replace his seat with someone with as much wisdom and insights as Member Jett from the eastern Oregon.  For the first two agenda items, the Board approved a slow-no wake zone within the Fly Creek Inlet on Lake Billy Chinook.  The Board also corrected language for the Foam Encapsulation rule that was mistakenly stricken during the March meeting and will allow for some types of non-treated wood. The Board also considered 20 boating facility grant requests.  Over $3.5 million in needs were identified with only $1.8 million available for 2017-2019 funding.  The needs exceed available funding by 3:1.  Grants were scored and ranked based on applicant matching funds, permit status, and the ability to complete a project within the biennium.  Several grant requests were excellent examples of what could be considered in the future under a proposed Waterway Access Program to improve access for paddlers; however, the priority for facility funding goes toward motorized boating access projects. The following grants were approved: Port of Coos Bay –Repair three of the existing boarding dock strings and replace rubstrips, wales and hinge connections at the Charleston Marina while replacement docks are being pursued.  The cost to replace the docks is estimated at $400,000 which is approximately a 20 percent increase as a result of the aluminum tariff and market volatility, therefore the Port will complete this project in phases.  Repairing the boarding docks will provide short term stability of the dock structure and will allow the Port to keep the docks operational.  The Board approved $38,801 in state boater funds to match $23,452 in applicant match for a total project cost of $62,253.  City of Coquille –Replace existing boarding docks and short term tie-up docks at Sturdivant Park.  In 2015, the docks were damaged during a storm event which washed away the gangway and broke out an old creosote wood piling, making the dock unsafe.  The City has been diligently working to secure funding for the massive repairs needed.  The grant will help pay for replacing the existing boarding and short term tie-up docks with new aluminum docks and steel piles.  The City is also pursuing a grant through the Sport Fish Restoration Fund administered by ODFW to create a designated a section of the dock for fishing in an effort to reduce user conflict.  The Board approved $72,247.80 in state boater funds to match $458,752.20 in applicant match for a project total of $531,000.  During the remainder of the meeting, the Board discussed the agency’s budget and provided staff direction on a legislative concept for a voluntary cuts to agency programs in conjunction with a fee increase at a level that will have the least impact to motorized boat owners. For more details about the grant applications and meeting materials, visit http://www.oregon.gov/OSMB/info/Pages/Board-and-Public-Meetings.aspx.