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Outline of Need:
Skokomish Tribal Law Enforcement manages 300 miles of saltwater shoreline and 40 miles of navigable rivers. The only vessel available for law enforcement of these waters was a very small, under-powered boat, which was shared with other tribal departments. This made it unavailable for numerous emergencies in the past. In these instances, the sheriff's office would need to be contacted, and hopefully they would be available, but there was no guarantee they would be able to respond.
How Rural Development Helped:
Through the Community Facilities grant program (learn more about this program), USDA Rural Development assisted with the funding of Saltwater and River Patrol Boats for the Skokomish Tribe. Rural Development provided approximately 42 percent of the funds needed to acquire and equip these vessels. The patrol boats are sufficient in size to make rescue efforts safe for the officers and the victims. There is also plenty of room to put confiscated nets and other illegal items.
The Results:
These boats have proven to be extremely beneficial in responding to water related emergencies. One such emergency occurred in August of 2004. While the Skokomish Tribal Law Enforcement was patrolling the waters, they noticed a woman on a boat waving frantically. As they approached, they noticed two other persons in the water next to the boat. One of the people in the water had dislocated their shoulder while riding an inner-tube pulled by the boat. The other person was trying to help him stay afloat, as he was unable to get back into the boat. Sergeant Norton and Officer Digrigoli of the Skokomish Tribal Law Enforcement and the woman in the water helped the injured man into the patrol boat. Once both swimmers were secure in the boat, Sergeant Norton radioed dispatch of the rescue in progress.
Skokomish Tribal Law Enforcement is better able to respond to the needs of the members of the local community and visitors due to the purchase of these patrol boats. The response time has improved dramatically. USDA Rural Development through the Essential Community Facilities grant program played a big role in improving the safety and welfare of this rural community.
(August 2005)
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