PORTLAND, Ore. (KOIN) – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office ended its seasonal Marine Patrol program on Monday, according to a Facebook post.
Reduced marine patrols in Columbia County a result of federal cuts
According to the post, Sheriff Mark Garton was forced to end the program due to a recent reduction in funding.
As KOIN 6 News has previously reported, the Oregon State Marine Board was forced to cut its budget by 30% after a rule change left it ineligible for a federal grant.
Since 1971, that money has come from the Department of Homeland Security for marine law enforcement and education. But as of this year, Oregon is no longer a candidate to receive the grant due to its sanctuary city status.
Boaters on the Willamette will still see a law enforcement presence, just from another agency.
‘Gut punch’: Hood River County Sheriff cuts services amid funding slump
Sheriff Garton told KOIN 6 News in an email that services have just shifted to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office…