OAR 250-026-0055: Vessel Turn-in Program Grants

(1) Grants are available to public agencies to sponsor a vessel turn-in program. These programs will allow owners to surrender vessels at risk of becoming abandoned or derelict before the vessels damage the environment or become a hazard to navigation. (2) Recreational vessels, acknowledged by the Board, in danger of becoming abandoned or derelict are eligible for removal through a vessel turn-in grant. The owner of the vessel must: (a) Surrender the vessel by signing a release of interest on the certificate of title; (b) Provide the title to the public agency; or (c) If the title is lost, sign an alternative release of interest document as approved by the Board. (3) Any public agency may submit a proposal to the Board for a vessel turn-in grant to be funded in part from the Salvaged Vessel Subaccount. Proposals must be submitted in writing by mail, email, or fax. (4) The proposal for a vessel turn-in program grant must include a description of: (a) How the turn-in program will be advertised or how boats will be identified for surrender; (b) The dates and times for any turn-in events; (c) The location of any turn-in events; (d) The criteria used by the public agency to determine if a vessel was in danger of being an abandoned vessel or a derelict vessel and was likely to cause damage to the environment or become a hazard to navigation; (e) A description of how surrendered boats will be removed and disposed of; (f) An estimate of the number of boats that will be surrendered; (g) An itemized list of expenses associated with the turn-in program; (h) The total amount of funds requested; and (i) Any cash or in-kind match to be provided by the public agency. (5) The Board will review the proposed vessel turn-in program. Grant decisions will be based upon criteria outlined in 250-026-0055(4)(a)–(i), as well as, funds available in the Salvaged Vessel Subaccount. The Board will provide its decision in writing. (6) If the Board approves the vessel turn-in program grant, the Board will prepare an Intergovernmental Project Agreement for signature by the parties prior to the grant award.