Division of Boating and Waterways Local Assistance Surrendered and Abandoned Vessel Exchange Grant Program FY26

The Division of Boating and Waterways Local Assistance Surrendered and Abandoned Vessel Exchange Grant Program aims to enhance public safety and protect the environment by funding the removal and disposal of abandoned recreational vessels. Managed by California State Parks, this program addresses the threat these vessels pose to navigation and waterways. With a history of successful financial assistance, the program has effectively mitigated the impact of abandoned vessels, ensuring cleaner and safer waterways for the community.

Purpose
Improve public and navigational safety and reduce environmental damage.
Description
This program provides funding for abatement, removal, storage and disposal as a public nuisance of abandoned recreational vessels and/or the destruction of surrendered recreational vessels that may become a threat to navigation. The SAVE grant program is designed to remove, reduce and prevent abandoned recreational vessels from entering our waterways. Administered by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW), grants are awarded annually to qualified local public agencies statewide. The SAVE program, formerly called the Abandoned Watercraft Abatement Fund and the Vessel Turn In Program enacted in 1998 and 2010 respectively, has provided millions of dollars in grants and has successfully removed thousands of vessels.