PORTSMOUTH — The R.I. Department of Environmental Management (DEM) has awarded a $23,400 grant to the Town of Portsmouth to fund removal of an abandoned vessel in Blue Bill Cove.

The Watch Hill Fire District received $6,278 to fund removal of a second vessel on the shoreline of the Napatree Point Conservation Area. That boat had been destroyed by fire.

The grants are the latest in Rhode Island’s ongoing efforts to support the cleanup of marine debris that may threaten the environment and navigational safety.

“Marine refuse and, in particular, abandoned vessels pose a significant threat to the health of our waters and the safe passage of boaters,” said DEM Director Janet Coit. “Supporting efforts to remove obstructions is critical to the vitality of our waterways. We are pleased to be working with great partners in Portsmouth and Westerly to get these vessels safely removed for the benefit of boaters, wildlife, and valuable coastal habitats.”

The grants were funded through Rhode Island’s Derelict and Abandoned Vessel and Obstruction Removal Account. In 2012, this account, funded by a surcharge on boat registration fees, was established under Rhode Island general law to help harbormasters and other authorized public entities in covering the costs associated with removal, disposal, and/or sale of derelict and abandoned vessels and other obstructions.

The law also established a commission to oversee grant recommendations. The commission is chaired by DEM, with members including the R.I. Marine Trades Association, Save The Bay, R.I. Harbormaster's Association, R.I. Coastal Resources Management Council and the R.I. Attorney General’s Office.

For more information on the Derelict and Abandoned Vessel and Obstruction Removal grant program, visit www.dem.ri.gov or contact DEM.EnforcementChief@dem.ri.gov.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, with priority given to emergency cases. Non-emergency applications are considered bi-annually.