Act of 1958 allowed relinquishment of this duty to the individual States in cases where 

 State legislation was in conformity with the provisions of the Federal Act. Subsequently, 

 most States passed conforming legislation, established a State Boating Law and appointed an 

 administrator to carry out the law's provisions. As a result, the U.S. Coast Guard has 

 developed the role of coordinator in this field and has broadened the scope of safety and 

 regulatory activities into a comprehensive program that starts with small-craft manufacturers 

 and continues through dealerships, owners, and marina operations. 



In the development of small-craft harbors, U.S. Coast Guard assistance is limited 

 primarily to information programs. Program aims are to promote public safety on navigable 

 waters, to promote efficiency in the operation of powered craft and sailboats, and to 

 facilitate U.S. Coast Guard operations in other areas. Free public courses are provided which 

 emphasize safety, small-craft handling, and basic seamanship. A courtesy motorboat 

 examination provides the boatman with a free check of all required and recommended 

 equipment. Marina clientel can also avail themselves of films and lectures, provided to 

 groups by U.S. Coast Guard personnel upon request. 



(3) Bureau of Outdoor Recreation. This Bureau estabUshed in 1962 within the 

 Department of the Interior, serves as a focal point for coordination between State and local 

 governments, other Federal agencies, private organizations, and individuals with the aim of 

 providing increased opportunities for outdoor recreation. The Bureau supplies financial 

 assistance to State and local governments for acquisition and development of boating and 

 other pubhc outdoor recreation facilities through the Land and Water Conservation Fund 

 Program. Projects to qualify for assistance, must be in accordance with the State 

 Compresensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP) and approved by the Secretary of the 

 Interior. Funding to public agencies is a 50-50 matching basis, as established by the SCORP, 

 with project priorities determined by State liaison officers who are appointed by the 

 Governors of the respective States. The Bureau also provides Hmited technical assistance in 

 the form of referrals and information from a technical assistance clearing house. 



c. Programs of Other Agencies. Several other Federal agencies offer programs related to 

 development of small-craft facilities that meet certain unique criteria and other specific 

 requirements. The Farmers Home Administration of the U.S. Department of Agriculture 

 will provide low-interest loans to qualified farmowners who wish to develop 

 income-producing recreational enterprises on farmlands. The loans may be used to develop 

 land and water resources, repair and construct buildings, buy land and equipment, and pay 

 operating expenses. Almost any type of outdoor recreational enterprise will qualify, 

 including developments for golf courses, campgrounds, nature trails, and small-craft 

 facilities. 



Another program that could include marina development is the Department of Housing 

 and Urban Development's program for Model Neighborhoods in Model Cities. This program 

 provides grants and technical assistance to plan, develop, and carry out comprehensive 

 programs for rebuilding or restoring slum and blighted areas through coordinated use of all 



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