October 16, 2007
 

OLYMPIA – Washington’s waterways are becoming safer for boating enthusiasts and the general public thanks to last session’s legislation by Rep. Bill Fromhold (D – Vancouver).  In April, the legislature passed House Bill 1651, creating the state Boating Activities Program and a stable source of funding for boater education and enforcement of boating laws.

Six months later, $726,000 in grant money has already been earmarked for approved boating safety programs throughout the state, the largest increase in funding for boater safety and education in 18 years.  The grants will be distributed through the State Parks and Recreation Commission. 

“What Representative Fromhold did was really big,” said Jim French, Statewide Recreation Programs Administrator with the Commission.  “Before this funding was allocated, Washington was really behind what other states were doing for boating safety.”

Compared to other states, Washington ranks 18^th in the number of registered boats, but 10^th in the number of boat-related fatalities and fourth in the number of alcohol-related boat fatalities.  Boating Activities Program grants will now help fund better law enforcement patrols of state waterways.

“One factor in reducing boating accidents is the presence of law enforcement,” French said.  “Boating laws have been passed in our state, but without the enforcement presence they didn’t do much good.  HB 1651 gives local jurisdictions the funding for more patrols, which will increase public safety.”

The Recreational Boating Association of Washington, which lobbied in favor of HB 1651, honored Fromhold last week with the Hap Arnold Boating Safety Award at their annual membership meeting in Seattle.  RBAW President Robert Murphy had high praise for Fromhold’s commitment to boating safety and education.

“His help was crucial,” Murphy said.

RBAW is the only organization representing recreational boaters in the state, with total membership of about 30,000.  Former state senator Ray Schow, now a lobbyist for RBAW, presented the award to Fromhold.

“Recreational boating is a family activity and tourist attraction in our state,” Fromhold said.  “But for too long we’ve neglected to adequately fund boater education, law enforcement, and environmental programs related to boating.  I’m pleased that this year the legislature supported creation of the Boating Activities Program, and as a fellow boating enthusiast I’m honored to receive the Hap Arnold Award.”

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Contact: Rep. Bill Fromhold (360) 786-7924

Media Staff Contact: Jennifer Zahn Spieler (360) 786-7201

Link to House Bill 1651:

http://apps.leg.wa.gov/billinfo/summary.aspx?year=2007&bill=1651

Link to Rep. Fromhold’s website and print-quality image:

http://www.housedemocrats.wa.gov/members/fromhold/

Radio and TV News Directors:  To obtain broadcast-quality audio on this issue, or to arrange for TV or radio interviews, please contact Caucus Broadcast Coordinator Dan Frizzell at frizzell_da@leg.wa.gov or (360) 786-7208.