For immediate release
June 14, 2007


Contact: John M.R. Bull
757-247-2269 (office)
757-636-4556 (cell)


NEWPORT NEWS , VA. --- They're sleek, new and fast.

The Virginia Marine Resources Commission has bought three new boats with federal funds, and will soon have them patrolling the Atlantic Ocean, the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.

"These boats will help us further protect the public and enforce the rules and regulations that preserve our natural resources and support our important fisheries industry,'' said Commissioner Steve Bowman. "I'm very pleased.''

Since 2002, the commission has applied for and received $4.4 million in federal money from either the National Oceanic Atmospheric Administration -- through Joint Enforcement Agreements -- or in Homeland Security grants.

Another $730,279 has been approved and is expected to be received in the next few weeks, bringing the total to almost $5.2 million.

The money has been used to buy equipment for VMRC's 75-member law enforcement division.

Two of the new boats cost $194,000 each. They are 28-foot Targa Protectors, powered by twin 250 horsepower Mercury Verado engines.

These boats are brand new, with a top speed of more than 60 miles per hour. One will be assigned to the Eastern Shore , and will be based in Chincoteague. The other will be based on the James River .

The third boat, a 22-foot Protector, will be based in Gloucester .

The three new boats will expand the agency's fleet from 57 to 60 vessels.

"We are out there every day, ensuring that people are boating safely and obeying the rules,'' Bowman said. "These new boats are fast and will help us respond quickly in an emergency.''

 

 

 28 Ft Targa Protector

A new 28-foot Targa Protector bought by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission soon will be patrolling the waterways, and can reach speeds of more than 60 mph.

 

28 FT Targa Protector

A new 28-foot Targa Protector bought by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission soon will be patrolling the waterways, and can reach speeds of more than 60 mph.

 
Marine Office Tim Litz

Marine Officer Tim Litz stands on a new 28-foot Targa Protector bought by the Virginia Marine Resources Commission with federal money.

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