Monday, May 6, 2002
YOUNGSTOWN -- Mahoning and Trumbull counties have received some of the $560,000 in Marine Patrol Grants given to 28 Ohio law enforcement agencies.
The grants will help local marine patrol units intensify their boating safety and enforcement efforts on the state's waterways, says the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, which administers the program.
Berlin patrols
The Mahoning County Sheriff's Department's grant of $21,362 will be used for its lake patrols at Berlin Reservoir, said Sheriff Randall A. Wellington. The department has one boat.
Intermittent deputies, who work fewer than 20 hours each week, patrol the lake and campground sites, Wellington said.
The Trumbull County Sheriff's Department has been allocated $7,914. Sgt. Pete Pizzulo said his department's boat is used at peak times at Mosquito Lake in cooperation with ODNR.
Full-time Trumbull deputies operate the boat, Pizzulo said.
Grant funding comes from the Ohio Waterways Safety Fund, which is supported primarily by boat registrations and a portion of the state motor fuel tax.
A minimum 25 percent local share is required of grant recipients.