14933_DBW-50thAnniversaryBook-PROOF

r e c a l l i n g a r i c h h i s t o r y

Boating Growth and Funding Following World War II, recreational boating proved to be one of the fastest-growing outdoor activities in California. By the end of the 1950s, California was home to more than 125,000 registered boats. Today, that number is nearing the one million mark.

Number of Registered Boats

California Population 15,860,000 20,220,000 23,511,000 29,760,021 34,480,000 37,172,015 37,662,518

Number of Boats/1000

Year

1960 1970 1980 1990 2000 2006 2007

177,800 420,800 556,000 795,335 904,843 893,828 964,881

11.2 20.7 23.6 26.7 26.2 24.0 25.6

In order to serve those boaters, Cal Boating provides funding for the development of small craft harbors and boat launching facilities, boating safety and educational efforts, law enforcement financial aid, aquatic weed control in the Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, and a host of environmental programs that make California’s waters cleaner. Cal Boating is funded by the boating community, for the boating community. The department’s programs are paid by boat gasoline taxes, vessel registration fees, the repayment of small craft harbor construction loans, and federal funds. All of these revenues are placed into the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund, which is used to fund Cal Boating’s budget each year.

Boating and Waterways Commission The Boating and Waterways Commission, a seven-person body

appointed by the Governor, advises Cal Boating on all matters within its jurisdiction and approves all loans and grants made by Cal Boating for construction of small craft harbors and boat launching facilities. Commission meetings are traditionally held bimonthly or as needed and are open to the public. Commission activities allow for public oversight into departmental decisions, promote transparency and encourage public input.

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50 Years: The Department of Boating and Waterways, 1957 to 2007