Division of Boating and Waterways Offers Up to $2.5 Million in Grants to Enhance Public Safety and Protect California’s Waterways
Contact:
Newsroom@parks.ca.gov
SACRAMENTO — California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is now accepting grant applications to help local public entities enhance safety on California’s waterways and protect them from abandoned and unwanted vessels. Up to $2.5 million is available in grant funding. The applications for these competitive grant programs, the Boating Safety and Enforcement Equipment (BSEE) and Surrendered and Abandoned Vessel Exchange (SAVE) programs, are open now through Thursday, April 30, 2026, at 3 p.m. PDT.
“Enhancing safety on California’s waterways and protecting our shared environment can create healthy and memorable outdoor experiences for experienced and new recreational boaters,” said DBW’s Deputy Director Ramona Fernandez. “Thank you to the boating law enforcement community for their efforts in keeping California’s waterways safe and enjoyable for boaters.”
In 2025, DBW awarded 20 BSEE grants, totaling over $1.23 million, and 26 SAVE grants totaling $1.04 million. This year, a total of up to $2.5 million in grant funding is available to eligible applicants in these highly competitive grant programs.
Below are descriptions of the grant programs and available funding:
BSEE Grant Program
Up to $1.5 million is available to local government agencies statewide that demonstrate a need for patrol boats, replacement engines, personal watercraft, search and rescue equipment, and patrol equipment for conducting recreational boating safety and enforcement activities. These competitive grants are to augment existing local resources and not to fully fund boating safety and enforcement patrol units. The U.S. Coast Guard’s Recreational Boating Safety Program provides funding for the BSEE grant program.
SAVE Grant Program
Up to $1 million is available to local public agencies statewide to receive surrendered recreational vessels and to remove and dispose of derelict recreational vessels on coastal and inland public, navigable waterways. Grant funding comes from the Abandoned Watercraft Abatement Fund.
Applications for both grant programs must be submitted to DBW through the Online Grant Application System (OLGA) by 3 p.m. (PDT) on April 30, 2026.
Before applying, DBW encourages new applicants to view a 45-minute video that provides detailed instructions on creating an account in OLGA as well as navigating the application system. Additionally, DBW is hosting a 45-minute virtual workshop for each grant program to provide valuable insight and program background for writing competitive applications.
Below is detailed information on the virtual workshops:
BSEE Workshop
Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Time: 10–10:45 a.m.
Location: Virtual Workshop
RSVP: Johanna.Naughton@parks.ca.gov or (916) 902-8795
SAVE Workshop
Date: Tuesday, March 24, 2026
Time: 1– 1:45 p.m.
Location: Virtual Workshop
RSVP: Gina.Disney@parks.ca.gov or (916) 902-8821
The workshops will be recorded for those unable to participate in the live presentations. Please call or email for workshop links or any questions.
Once grant applications have been reviewed and scored, DBW will send out notice of award letters via OLGA. DBW anticipates awards will be announced in August 2026. Detailed information, including previous grant recipients, is available on DBW’s website.
BSEE grants augment local public agency resources for patrol boats, engines, personal watercraft, search and rescue, and patrol equipment. SAVE grants assist local public agencies statewide in receiving surrendered vessels and in removing and disposing of abandoned vessels on coastal and inland waterways. Photos from the Division of Boating and Waterways.
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