Stonington ― The police department will move forward with a federal grant application after Board of Finance members said Wednesday they would agree to fund approximately $30,000 for ongoing police boat upkeep.

Without an official vote, the members agreed to fund the required 25% match for a $100,000 to $200,000 Federal Emergency Management Agency grant that would pay for major expenditures to maintain the department’s maritime operations.

“It gives us time to figure out what we’re doing, but it gives you reassurance that we won’t leave you high and dry,” board Chairman Timothy O’Brien told police officials.

Police Capt. Bryan Schneider, who runs the department’s marine unit, said the boat is in very good shape, but he would like to replace the boat’s two $30,000, 300-horsepower outboard engines and its $40,000 stability collar, among other maintenance items, before problems arise and cost the town money.

“You’re very good about trying to stay ahead of things, and what I’m saying is ‘I’d support staying ahead of things,’ ” O’Brien told Schneider.

O’Brien added there had been multiple marine incidents where the boat had proven to be vital. He likened the request to the board’s yearly approvals to replace police cars to avoid significant, unanticipated costs and maintenance issues that could threaten the department’s response to emergencies.

If awarded, the town would be required to provide a 25% match, but the board would have at least two years to fund it, and the cost could be offset by the trade-in value of the current engines.

Schneider said the 27-foot vessel sees 150 to 200 hours of use per season, and, since initially purchased with a FEMA grant in 2013, has been essentially self-sustaining through a series of federal grants. These have covered several years of routine maintenance, training and a $50,000 electronics upgrade in 2020 among other costs.

Schneider said the boat’s primary function is patrol, but it also supports events like fireworks or triathlons and is involved in many search and rescue cases.

Additionally, the department’s marine division is part of a regional New London port security group which supports operations throughout the region and responds to Coast Guard requests for search and rescue.