Title
a. Approve and authorize the Department of Public Works, Facilities and Parks to submit a grant application for up to $400,000 in competitive grant funding from the California State Parks Department Division of Boating and Waterways for grant funds to purchase a replacement patrol vessel and trailer, refurbish a patrol vessel, and one jet ski and trailer for marine enforcement and public safety patrols at Lakes San Antonio and Nacimiento in South Monterey County, California;
b. Authorize the Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks or designee to conduct all negotiations and sign and submit all documents which may be necessary for the completion of the Grant application; and
c. Direct the Department of Public Works, Facilities and Parks staff to return to the Board of Supervisors for approval prior to acceptance of any grant award(s).
Report
RECOMMENDATION:
a. Approve and authorize the Department of Public Works, Facilities and Parks (PWFP) to submit a grant application for up to $400,000 in competitive grant funding from the California State Parks Department Division of Boating and Waterways for grant funds to purchase a replacement patrol vessel and trailer, refurbish a patrol vessel, and one jet ski and trailer for marine enforcement and public safety patrols at Lakes San Antonio and Nacimiento in South Monterey County, California;
b. Authorize the Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks (PWFP) or designee to conduct all negotiations and sign and submit all documents which may be necessary for the completion of the Grant application; and
c. Direct PWFP staff to return to the Board of Supervisors for approval prior to acceptance of any grant award(s).
SUMMARY:
The Department of Public Works, Facilities and Parks (PWFP) seek to submit a grant application for the funding to purchase a replacement patrol vessel and trailer, refurbish a patrol vessel, and one jet ski and trailer for marine enforcement and public safety patrols at Lakes San Antonio and Nacimiento in South Monterey County, California. These are critical tools for patrol and safety operations at the lakes. Should the County be awarded the grant, the grant does not require a local match, but the County will be responsible for the annual repairs and maintenance costs for the vessel over its 15 years of required service.
DISCUSSION:
California State Parks Division of the Department of Boating and Waterways (DBW) provides grants to local government agencies to purchase boating safety and law enforcement equipment through the Boating Safety and Enforcement Equipment Grant Program (BSEE). In 2025, this highly competitive program issued $1.23 million in BSEE grant requests and 26 SAVE grants totaling $1.04 million. County Parks has been awarded grants to purchase patrol vessels through program. The most recent was in 2021, which the County took possession of in November 2024. Build delays were due to COVID and subsequent equipment shipping delays.
PWFP patrol vessels provide boating safety and law enforcement for over 11,120 surface acres of lake waters and critical medical, fire and law enforcement and at County of Monterey Lake Nacimiento and Lake San Antonio (collectively the “Lakes”). The critical nature of this response mandates the need for reliable vessels in top shape. PWFP will replace an aged 2003 patrol vessel purchased with DBW grant funds with over 2,059 motor hours and an extensive repair history. This vessel is more than 20 years old and is beyond the required service life, and is no longer in optimal, reliable form for the rigors of daily use. BSEE’s Fiscal Year 2026/27 application cycle is now open from March 16 to April 30, 2026.
A requirement of the grant award is that the County surrender the retired vessel to DBW for final disposition. Per Attachment A, Overview of the BSEE Grant Application, the grant recipient (County of Monterey) shall agree that the DBW shall be the legal owner of the patrol boat and trailer purchased with the grant funds, while the County of Monterey shall be the registered owner.
Staff requests the approval of the Board of Supervisors to submit an application to BSEE for up to $400,000 in competitive federal grant a replacement patrol vessel and trailer, refurbish a patrol vessel, and one jet ski and trailer for marine enforcement and public safety patrols at the Lakes. Attachment A provides an overview of grant application requirements, grant award prioritization criteria, and grant recipient requirements. Should the grant application be successful, the County will return to the Board for approval to accept the grant award and to purchase the vessels and trailers.
OTHER AGENCY INVOLVEMENT/COMMITTEE ACTIONS:
The Office of the County Counsel reviewed this report. The Parks Commission was provided with an update on the grant application at its April 2026 meeting.
FINANCING:
Sufficient funding is available in the Fiscal Year (FY) 2025-26 Adopted Budget, General Fund 001, Park Operations Appropriation Unit PFP058 to cover costs related to staff preparing the grant application and developing specifications for the new vessel and trailer.
The California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways Boating Safety and Enforcement Equipment Grant Program provides funding for patrol vessels and related equipment used exclusively for boating safety and law enforcement activities, with the State retaining legal ownership of the asset and imposing strict use, maintenance, audit, and replacement requirements, including potential responsibility to replace the vessel if it is lost or destroyed during the service period. Should a grant award be made, no cash match is required; however, the County will be responsible for the annual repairs and maintenance costs for the vessel over its 15 years of required service. Future budget requests will include sufficient appropriations for ongoing annual operations and maintenance costs.
BOARD OF SUPERVISORS STRATEGIC PLAN GOALS:
Providing reliable equipment and tools to Park Rangers enhances the County’s ability to deliver safe and healthy recreational experiences at the Lakes, supporting overall well-being and quality of life. With dependable equipment, Park Rangers can maintain public safety effectively and respond promptly to emergencies.
X Well-Being and Quality of Life
____ Sustainable Infrastructure for the Present and Future
X Safe and Resilient Communities
____ Diverse and Thriving Economy
Prepared by: Dona Luna, Management Analyst III, x5455
Reviewed by: Tyler Decker, WOC Supervising Park Ranger
Reviewed by: Bryan Flores, Chief of Parks
Approved by: Randell Ishii, MS, PE, TE, PTOE, Director of Public Works, Facilities and Parks
Attachments:
Attachment A - BSEE Grant Application Overview
(Attachment is on file with the Clerk of the Board)