Newport Beach receives grant to remove abandoned vessels

NEWPORT BEACH – Boosting the city’s attempt to keep its harbor clear of discarded boats, the Newport Beach City Council unanimously voted Oct. 14 to receive a state grant to remove abandoned vessels. The grant, given by California Division of Boating and Waterways (Cal Boating), is for $125,700 and would finance Newport Beach’s desire to remove abandoned vessels “in a continued effort to preserve the charm and character” of its harbor. Funding is expected to cover the city’s abandoned and nuisance vessel programs through October 2016. With the grant, Cal Boating provided the funding through its Surrendered and Abandoned Vessel Exchange (SAVE) Program, Newport Beach will be able to dispose of vessels either abandoned in the harbor or turned into the city as a nuisance. A city resolution stated abandoned, derelict and unseaworthy vessel within the waterfront would be removed because “Newport Beach … is desirous of preserving and promoting uses that contribute to the charm and character of Newport Harbor.” “The city encourages public access to the water and makes slips and moorings available to rent for visitors and locals alike. However, with accessibility to public amenities comes the occasional misuse in the form of vessel abandonment [and] illegal berthing,” city staff stated. “Inheritance...