Albany, NY - July 26th, 2013 - New York State Office of Parks, Recreation and Historic Preservation Commissioner Rose Harvey today announced that nine Brunswick "Justice" patrol boats will be assigned to several local law enforcement agencies to assist with their marine law enforcement efforts.
"Tourists and residents alike enjoy New York State for its plentiful lakes, rivers and coastal waters, which provide many spectacular and diverse places for boating," Harvey said. "And with so many boaters travelling the state's waters, it is imperative that we continue to support local marine law enforcement efforts across the state as they ensure a safe and enjoyable recreational boating experience."
"Boaters in our state will be safer as a result of the continued cooperation between the New State Office of Parks, Recreation & Historic Preservation and the Sheriffs of New York State," said New York State Sheriffs' Association President, Monroe County Sheriff Patrick O'Flynn. "As the demands on counties to patrol grows, so too does the need for the proper equipment to keep up with those demands. Having vessels like these will help to ensure that the sheriff's deputies who patrol our waterways will be able to do so safely, effectively, and efficiently."
The vessels, valued at between $60,000 and $115,000 each, were made possible through a U.S. Coast Guard Recreational Boating Safety Grant, which provides funding to the states to assist with the boating safety mission. The primary mission for these vessels will be the safety of the recreational boater and the enforcement of the New York State Navigation Laws. Recipients of boats include the sheriff's departments in the counties of: Livingston, Schuyler, Rockland, Seneca, Cattaraugus, Madison, Wayne, Yates as well as the police department in the City of Rye.
Since 1959 NYS State Parks has supported local marine enforcement through the administration of a State Aid Program for Marine Law Enforcement that reimburses up to 50% of eligible expenditures. In 2013 a total of $2 million will be paid to 53 law enforcement agencies for their efforts in 2012.
The State Parks Marine Service Unit is responsible for the general coordination of boating safety programs and supports marine law enforcement efforts across the state, including patrols, training and funding for local marine enforcement activities. For more information about boating safety – including listings of boating safety courses – and marine recreation in New York State, visit www.nysparks.com/recreation/boating.