Division of Boating and Waterways Surrendered and Abandoned Vessel Exchange (SAVE) FY25

The Surrendered and Abandoned Vessel Exchange (SAVE) Grant Program is administered by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW). This state-funded program is designed to address the growing issue of abandoned recreational vessels in California’s navigable waterways. The program's origins can be traced back to Senate Bill 172, passed in 1997, which led to the creation of the Abandoned Watercraft Abatement Fund (AWAF). In 2010, the Vessel Turn-In Program was added to strengthen the effort. These programs eventually merged into SAVE, which has since awarded millions of dollars in grants to local public agencies, resulting in the successful removal of thousands of derelict vessels from waterways across the state. SAVE’s primary objective is to prevent, reduce, and remove abandoned or surrendered recreational vessels that pose environmental hazards and navigation risks. Grant funds support expenses associated with vessel abatement, removal, storage, disposal, hazmat cleanup, towing, appraisals, and lien sale processes. The program also covers the costs of surrendering vessels voluntarily to avoid future abandonment. However, commercial vessels are not eligible under this funding. The program encourages early intervention by incentivizing local public agencies to accept at-risk vessels from owners or lienholders before they become a public hazard. The grant is open to local public agencies with jurisdiction over navigable California waterways. Private entities are not eligible to apply directly but may participate indirectly through coordination with qualifying agencies. Applicants are required to contribute a 10% match, either through cash or verified in-kind contributions such as staff time or additional abatement expenses. This matching contribution must be spent before SAVE funds are reimbursed. The program is structured to ensure grantees demonstrate commitment and efficiency in managing awarded funds, with strong emphasis on timely fund utilization and inter-agency cooperation when resources are underutilized. Applications for the FY 2026/27 grant cycle will be accepted through DBW’s Online Grant Application (OLGA) system, beginning March 16, 2026, and closing at 3 PM PDT on April 30, 2026. A virtual workshop is scheduled for March 24, 2026, to provide guidance on the application process, scoring matrix, and best practices. Attendance is optional but encouraged, and prior recorded sessions are available online. First-time users of OLGA are strongly advised to follow the instructional webinar to navigate the system effectively. Grantees must also participate in a mandatory annual fall meeting and complete a grant management webinar to ensure compliance and readiness. Applications are scored based on several criteria, including demonstrated need, project readiness, jurisdictional authority, vessel risk management, and willingness to assist neighboring jurisdictions. The maximum grant award is capped at 10% of the program’s total annual budget, which is typically $2.75 million. A comprehensive scoring rubric is made available to all applicants in advance. Award notifications are expected by September 1, 2026. Once accepted, grantees must return signed agreements and governing resolutions before receiving a fully executed contract. Projects may begin as early as October 1, 2026, or upon receipt of the agreement. Grant recipients are expected to execute their funded projects within a two-year performance period ending September 30, 2028. The program is recurring annually, and grantees are evaluated not only on project outcomes but also on their management of previous awards. Agencies that underutilize funds may be required to transfer remaining resources to other jurisdictions in need. Programmatic communication and collaboration are highly encouraged to maintain the SAVE program’s efficacy and reputation. For application assistance or to register for the virtual workshop, agencies may contact Gina Disney at [email protected].

Spend funds efficiently to maximize future award scores; accept vessels from other communities to earn extra points.