RBOC is very appreciative with the amendments made to SB 436 on September 11 before the bill proceeded through the Legislature at the end of session.
While RBOC has not yet removed our opposition to SB 436 at this moment, we do confirm and acknowledge that the amendment resolves our most significant issue: opening up the boater-financed state Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund [HWRF] for a non-boating purpose: the prevention of damage to streets and property within cities caused by beach erosion and flooding.
The remaining provision in SB 436 would still authorize a grant or loan of $1,000,000 from the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund to pay for emergency measures to prevent flood damage and erosion to streets and property along Hueneme Beach. This is not a use that directly benefits the boaters who pay their hard-earned taxes and registration fees into the Fund.
RBOC appreciates the efforts of the many California boaters who reached out to their legislative representatives in the State Capitol in the final days of session and made the significant amendment possible. BoatU.S. and its members played a vital role in this effort.