DNR Funds Newly-Dedicated Fire Boat In Anne Arundel County

Annapolis, Md. (September 27, 2010) —  The Maryland Department of Natural Resources (DNR) Waterway Improvement Fund recently provided $199,000 towards the new emergency response vessel Arundel Patriot that will serve southern Anne Arundel County. The total cost of the new vessel, which was shared by Anne Arundel County, was $510,000. DNR helped pay for this vessel using State Waterway Improvement Funds, which are derived from the vessel excise tax paid when a boat is titled in Maryland.

“This new emergency response boat will provide a valuable service to boaters using southern Anne Arundel County,” said Bob Gaudette, Director of DNR‘s Boating Services Unit. “This boat is a good example of the boat tax at work.”

The newly commissioned vessel was christened at Sandy Point State Park by County Executive John Leopold along with the county Fire and Police Chiefs.

“The marine industry is a significant part of the county’s economy and this new boat exemplifies our commitment to the protection and preservation of that industry as well as the safety of our citizens and visitors,” said Leopold. “We have obtained a state-of-the-art marine emergency response vessel to provide law enforcement, emergency medical services, and fire fighting services on county waters.”

The new boat is fully equipped for day and night search, rescue, surveillance and law enforcement operations utilizing a night vision camera and radar. It is 35.5 feet in length and has advanced life support equipment on board. The 1,250 gallon per minute fire pump supplies a monitor and hoselines, and can supply water to land units in shore areas that do not have hydrant systems.

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is the state agency responsible for providing natural and living resource-related services to citizens and visitors. DNR manages nearly one-half million acres of public lands and 17,000 miles of waterways, along with Maryland's forests, fisheries and wildlife for maximum environmental, economic and quality of life benefits. A national leader in land conservation, DNR-managed parks and natural, historic and cultural resources attract 11 million visitors annually. DNR is the lead agency in Maryland's effort to restore the Chesapeake Bay, the state's number one environmental priority. Learn more at www.dnr.maryland.gov