As the great recession continues, California is proposing shutting down the Department of Boating and Waterways (DBAW), and merging what’s left with another department. This will divert earmarked boating money to the general fund. The state is now also proposing discontinuing loans made by DBAW that have been used historically to maintain and/or upgrade boating infrastructure.
The long term implications are a continued deterioration of boating facilities, as the state’s infrastructure fails to meet the needs, or address the safety concerns of the public.