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Abandoned Watercraft Abatement Fund (AWAF)

Abandoned Vessels Advisory
Committee Report

 

Boat Salvaging and
Recycling Companies

 

In October of 1997, Senate Bill 172 (Rainey) created the Abandoned Watercraft Abatement Fund (AWAF). It provides funds to public agencies to remove, store, and dispose of abandoned, wrecked, or dismantled vessels or any other partially submerged objects which pose a substantial hazard to navigation, from navigable waterways or adjacent public property, or private property with the landowner's consent.

As part of its commitment to provide clean, safe and enjoyable recreational boating on State waterways, the Department of Boating and Waterways (Cal Boating) administers this statewide program. It allows local public agencies to apply for funding and, upon approval, enter into a contract grant agreement with Cal Boating.

How do I apply for an AWAF Grant?

Agencies interested in applying for an AWAF grant must submit a completed application packet to:

E-mail: Mary Thomas
Call: (916) 263-8185
2000 Evergreen St., Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95815-3888

Sinking BoatWho is eligible?

Local public agencies that have jurisdiction over navigable waterways in California and meet the application assessment criteria are eligible.

What does the grant cover and are there any special requirements?

The grant covers average costs to remove, store and/or dispose of abandoned vessels and other navigational hazards. Extra consideration will be given to applicant agencies that are proactive in keeping abandoned vessels off State waters and maintain a navigational hazard abatement plan. Note: The removal of commercial vessels is not reimbursable.

Cal Boating reimburses grantees for actual expenditures once a written request is submitted for completed approved work. Grantees must substantiate such requests by submitting the Reimbursement Claim Form and invoices to Cal Boating. Grants are funded up to 15 months.

What will it cost?

Section 525 (C) "Abandoned vessel grants" of the Harbors and Navigation Code states that, "A grant awarded by the department pursuant to subparagraph (A) shall be matched by a 10-percent contribution from the local agency receiving the grant." AWAF recipients are required to expend their 10-percent contribution before receiving reimbursement from the AWAF program.

Can the local agency be reimbursed for an abandoned watercraft they've already removed, stored, and/or disposed?

No. Costs incurred prior to an approved grant agreement being in place will not be reimbursed.

What are the grantees responsibilities under the grant program?

  • The GRANTEE must comply with California law regarding titles and liens in conjunction with each vessel, including those provisions set forth in the Harbors and Navigation Code Chapter 3, Article 1 regarding wrecked and salvaged vessels.
  • The GRANTEE must secure bids from vendors through the competitive bid process to select a contractor / subcontractor to perform the work defined in their contract grant agreement.
  • The GRANTEE, subject to Cal Boating approval, must ensure that all employees, subcontractors, and salvage companies are qualified and adequately insured to perform work within the scope of the grant agreement. (The Water Hazard Removal List (WHRL) is the management tool for this procedure.)
  • The GRANTEE is responsible for securing any studies, permits, or authorizations associated with treatment, removal, storage, disposal, or any other handling of hazardous substances including but not limited to toxic waste, petroleum waste, asbestos, and like substances prior to the removal of any vessel.
  • The GRANTEE is responsible for the proper and legal disposal or recycling of vessels, parts of any vessels, materials, fluids, petroleum products, and associated chemicals.

In addition, please see Sections 510-527 of the Harbors and Navigation Code, specifically, Sections 525 and 527 regarding the grant program.

What is the required documentation for grant request submittal?

A complete application includes:

  1. LETTER OF INTENT
    Include the following information in your letter of intent: a problem statement, a statement of need, and a plan of action . If you have successfully used marine salvagers to remove water hazards in the past, discuss the process and your experience in contracting with a marine salvage company. This type of documentation is vital for Cal Boating's review process. Also, this documentation will help demonstrate any projected costs you may anticipate which must be included in your grant request.
  2. APPLICATION FORM
    Complete and sign the application form (an incomplete application form will not be accepted and will cause an unnecessary delay). Please fill in the monetary values in the appropriate spaces. Note: The contact person is the individual who will address ALL questions and concerns on behalf of the grantee.
  3. APPLICATION QUESTIONAIRE
    Answer the five questions to the best of your knowledge.
  4. WATER HAZARD REMOVAL LIST
    This list informs the Department of the abandoned vessels/navigational hazards to be removed if funding is granted.
  5. PHOTO LOG
    The Department requires that a picture of each abandoned vessel/water hazard be submitted with the grant application. Each picture must be marked with the project number that matches with the project number on the Water Hazard Removal List. When circumstances impede the grantee from submitting a picture for any project being declared, proper back-up documentation must be provided.

HOW DO I APPEAL THE DENIAL OF AN APPLICATION?

Use the following information only to appeal the denial of an application.

Contact the Director of the Department at:

E-mail: Margarita Sanchez, Executive Administrative Assistant to the Director
Call: (888) 326-2822
Write: Raynor Tsuneyoshi, Director
2000 Evergreen St., Suite 100
Sacramento, CA 95815