Approval of grant application

The St. Joseph County Board of Commissioners last week approved the sheriff department’s request to submit a Marine Safety Program grant application.

The request is for more than $65,000 through state and federal sources, and allows the department to continue to man its seasonal Marine Patrol division in 2014.

If approved, the grant would fund the services of one full-time and three part-time members. In addition, it would cover fuel costs, expenses related to boat repairs and equipment, training and travel, and uniforms and cleaning.

The grant will be forwarded to the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.