State Boat and Water Safety Grant Program to Counties
Forecasted
State Boat and Water Safety Grant Program to Counties supports Minnesota county sheriff’s offices in funding patrols, rescue, hazard removal, and outreach to reduce deaths, injuries, and property damage on state waters.
Funder: Minnesota Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (grant form return)
Funding Amounts: Up to 100% of eligible costs; grants run for 18 months
Summary: Supports county sheriff’s offices in reducing deaths, injuries, and property damage on Minnesota waters.
Key Information: Only Minnesota counties acting through their sheriff’s offices may participate.
Description
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) administers this program through its Enforcement Division’s Boat and Water Safety Program. It helps county sheriff’s offices carry out boating safety work on state waters, with the goal of reducing deaths, injuries, and property damage.
Supported activities include patrol and enforcement, search and rescue, buoy placement, removal of navigation hazards, and public safety outreach. Counties may also inspect watercraft offered for rent, lease, or hire; investigate watercraft and water accidents; and search for, rescue, or recover accident victims. The program has operated since the early 1960s.
