FR 2025-07630

The document from the Federal Register details the fiscal year 2024 funding related to the national recreational boating safety program, as stipulated by the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. The U.S. Coast Guard, which administers this program, reports on funding allocations and expenditures. Notably, for FY 2024, $15.061 million was allocated, yet this report indicates that none of this money had been spent by the end of the fiscal year. Additional funds from previous years have been utilized, and some resources were given to states.

Summary and Key Issues

The Coast Guard's fiscal management for boating safety, as presented in this document, raises some concerns. Despite the $15.061 million allocation for the FY 2024 intended for various projects, including compliance and survey activities, none of these funds were committed, obligated, or expended by September 30, 2024. This unspent allocation suggests potential issues relating to the utilization of funds or delays in project execution.

Moreover, the report notes that an additional $9.659 million from prior fiscal years were used, indicating a reliance on older budget allocations rather than the funds specifically aimed for FY 2024. Such practices may suggest inefficiencies in the planning or implementation processes within the Coast Guard or related authorities.

Another significant issue is the lack of detailed transparency around the $8 million that was allocated to states. Without specific information on how these funds were distributed or used, concerns about accountability could arise.

Public and Stakeholder Impact

Broad Public Impact: The public, particularly those involved in recreational boating, should be concerned about these delays and allocation issues, as they could potentially affect the advancement and safety of recreational boating activities. These programs are vital for ensuring safety and compliance on the waters, and any lag in funding or project completion could have safety implications.

Impact on Specific Stakeholders:

• State Governments: For states receiving portions of the $8 million allocation, there is an impact regarding the effectiveness in utilizing these funds to improve boating safety. Without clear direction on how these funds are used, states may struggle to optimize their efforts.

• Boating Communities and Organizations: These groups may face operational uncertainty or delayed enhancements in safety protocols if funding is not effectively utilized for intended projects, such as the boating accident database improvements or other safety initiatives.

Overall, the lack of clarity in fund allocation and utilization highlighted in this document could hinder advancements in recreational boating safety efforts that many depend on. Enhanced transparency and timely fiscal management are imperative to maximize the impact of federal funds in ensuring the safety and enjoyment of recreational boating activities.

The document in question provides detailed information on the funding and financial allocations related to the national recreational boating safety program under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act for fiscal year 2024. Several financial aspects deserve attention to ensure transparency and accountability in managing public funds.

Summary of Financial Allocations

In fiscal year 2024, the Coast Guard was allocated $15.061 million from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. This funding is intended for administration purposes under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Notably, of this allocation, at least $2.1 million is designated to ensure compliance with Chapter 43 of Title 46, U.S. Code. Additionally, not more than $1.5 million is set aside for a survey addressing recreational boating participation and related matters in the United States.

Analysis of Financial Use and Issues

A key concern highlighted in the document is the apparent lack of utilization of the fiscal year 2024 funds. As of September 30, 2024, the document states that $0 has been committed, obligated, or expended out of the $15.061 million allocated. This zero expenditure is concerning as it suggests potential issues with spending delays or inefficiencies in deploying allocated resources.

Moreover, the Coast Guard has utilized $9.659 million from previous fiscal year funds, which indicates a reliance on past resources instead of the current fiscal year allocations. This reliance could be interpreted as a possible mismanagement or delay in using newly allocated funds.

Additionally, the document reveals that $8 million was allocated to the states, yet there is no detailed breakdown or explanation provided on how these funds were utilized specifically. This lack of detail could raise questions regarding transparency and the accountability of fund usage maintained by the states.

Retention and Future Use of Funds

For fiscal year 2023 and fiscal year 2024, approximately $16,959,067 million is retained for potential future projects, including the National Recreational Boating Survey and reengineering the Boating Accident and Reporting Database. However, the text lacks specifics regarding these projects, such as timelines or prioritizations, leading to concerns over the vagueness of fund retention plans. The potential for transferring retained funds into a state grant program is mentioned, yet it remains vaguely articulated, which could pose issues in tracking and accountability of these significant sums.

In summary, the document reveals several issues concerning the financial allocations and expenditures of funds intended for the national recreational boating safety program. These include zero expenditure of the current year's funds, reliance on prior fiscal year funds, lack of transparency in state allocation utilization, and vague plans for retained funds. Addressing these issues is crucial to ensure efficient and transparent use of public funds in achieving program goals.