Marine Patrol Assistance Grant

The Marine Patrol Assistance Grant is administered by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR), a state agency responsible for managing Ohio’s natural resources, including waterways, parks, and wildlife. Within its scope of responsibilities, ODNR supports public safety initiatives on Ohio’s waterways through funding opportunities designed to enhance law enforcement capabilities. This grant program specifically targets the establishment, operation, and maintenance of marine patrol units by eligible law enforcement agencies across the state. The initiative reflects the state’s commitment to ensuring safe recreational and commercial use of water resources through properly equipped and staffed patrol units. The primary purpose of the Marine Patrol Assistance Grant is to provide financial support to Ohio law enforcement agencies that either operate or intend to establish marine patrol units. These patrols are responsible for enforcing boating laws, ensuring water safety, and responding to incidents on Ohio’s waterways. The funding is intended to support operational costs and maintenance of marine patrol activities rather than capital purchases of certain equipment. Notably, the grant explicitly excludes funding for fire boats, rescue boats, motors, trailers, and related equipment, emphasizing its focus on patrol-specific enforcement activities rather than broader emergency response infrastructure. Eligible applicants include Ohio-based law enforcement agencies that have established or are planning to establish marine patrol operations. New applicants must meet a key requirement of providing a dedicated and appropriate patrol vessel, demonstrating readiness and capacity to carry out patrol duties. Applications are reviewed through a competitive scoring process, meaning that agencies must clearly demonstrate need, preparedness, and alignment with program goals to receive funding. This competitive structure ensures that limited resources are allocated to the most qualified and impactful proposals. The application process requires agencies to submit their proposals through the appropriate state systems, though specific submission steps are not detailed in the provided information. However, all grant recipients must comply with administrative requirements, including registration in the OhioPays system. OhioPays serves as the State of Ohio’s portal for payee registration, payment tracking, and financial profile management. Applicants must create an Ohio Digital Identity (OH|ID) and provide detailed organizational and banking information, including a Tax Identification Number, matching W9 address, and banking documentation such as a voided check or bank letter if required. Recipients of the grant are subject to ongoing reporting obligations, including both monthly and year-end reports. These reporting requirements ensure accountability and allow the state to monitor the effectiveness and proper use of funds. The emphasis on consistent reporting highlights the program’s focus on transparency and performance tracking, ensuring that funded patrols are actively contributing to water safety and law enforcement objectives. The application deadline for the Marine Patrol Assistance Grant is currently listed as “To Be Determined,” indicating that the program may operate on a flexible or periodically announced cycle. Interested applicants are encouraged to monitor updates or contact the grant administrator for the most current timeline information. For additional guidance or clarification, applicants may reach out directly to the Grants Administrator, Sean Landon, via phone or email. This direct contact provides a valuable resource for agencies seeking to understand eligibility, requirements, or application procedures in greater detail. Overall, the Marine Patrol Assistance Grant represents a targeted investment by the State of Ohio in public safety infrastructure on its waterways. By supporting law enforcement agencies in maintaining and operating marine patrols, the program contributes to safer recreational and commercial water use while reinforcing regulatory compliance. Its structured eligibility requirements, competitive evaluation process, and ongoing reporting expectations ensure that funds are used effectively to support the state’s broader natural resource and safety objectives.