The division of parks and watercraft. with the approval of the director of natural resources, may expend, for the purpose of assisting political subdivisions, conservancy districts, and state departments to establish or maintain and operate a marine patrol for the purpose of enforcing this chapter and Chapter 1548. of the Revised Code and rules adopted under them and to provide emergency response to boating accidents on the water, such funds as are appropriated by the general assembly for that purpose and, in addition, such moneys from the waterways safety fund established in section 1547.75 of the Revised Code as determined to be necessary by the division not to exceed ten per cent of all moneys accruing to the fund. In no case shall the grant to a political subdivision, conservancy district, or state department, not including the department of natural resources, total more than thirty-five thousand dollars in a calendar year. Moneys so allocated may be used for the purchase, maintenance, and operation of vessels and marine equipment, educational materials, and personnel salaries that are necessary for enforcement of this chapter and Chapter 1548. of the Revised Code and rules adopted under them and to provide emergency response to boating accidents on the water.

The division shall disburse the moneys as provided in this section in accordance with its determination of need in the enforcement of this chapter and Chapter 1548. of the Revised Code and rules adopted under them and shall disburse those moneys only on a cost share basis to supplement funds allocated by a political subdivision, conservancy district, or state department for that purpose. A grantee shall provide at least twenty-five per cent of the total program cost.

Amended by 131st General Assembly File No. TBD, SB 293, §1, eff. 9/14/2016.

Effective Date: 09-05-2001 .