Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar today announced the award of more than $12 million in competitive grants to ten states ranging from Oregon to Florida for 13 boating infrastructure projects. The grants, which will help fund construction of docks, boat slips and other facilities to support recreational boating, are made available through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program.
“The Boating Infrastructure Grant program is one of the many ways we support access and provide quality outdoor opportunities for the nation’s recreational anglers and boaters,” said Secretary Salazar. “These grants also support major construction projects, creating jobs and providing much-needed economic benefits.”
Funding for the BIG program comes from the Sport Fishing and Boating Trust Fund, formerly known as the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund, which is supported by excise taxes on certain fishing and boating equipment and boat fuels. The Service will also release more than $2.9 million to 31 states, commonwealths and territories willing to match a smaller, non-competitive grant program known as BIG Tier One funding.
Boating Infrastructure Grant funds are used to construct, renovate and maintain tie-up facilities with features for transient boats (those staying 10 days or less) that are 26 feet or more in length and used for recreation. The funds are also used to produce and distribute information and educational materials about the program and recreational boating.
The Service received a total of 22 eligible applications from 13 states for the competitive grants. The 13 winning projects for competitive grants include:
California: The California Department of Boating and Waterways, in cooperation with the Monterey Bay Boatworks Company, will receive $391,000 and match that amount with $433,300 to construct 603 linear feet of transient dock space and amenities at Breakwater Cove Marina in Monterey Bay.
The California Department of Boating and Waterways, in cooperation with the Treasure Island Marina, will receive $1,949,750 and match that amount with $2,237,250 to construct a 750 foot long transient dock with vacuum sewage disposal, handicap access to the landside restroom; shower and laundry areas; water; power; and fire suppression on Treasure Island.
The California Department of Boating and Waterways, in cooperation with Channel Islands Harbor, will receive $700,400 and match that same amount to replace an existing dock and gangway with 26 boat slips, a new dump station and pumpout, along with amenities including ADA accessible restrooms and showers to accommodate transient nontrailerable boats and their users at the Peninsula Park Transient Dock Facility in Oxnard.
Florida: The State of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, in cooperation with the Rybovich Marina, will receive $1,247,705 and match that same amount to replace a bulkhead seawall and construct a floating dock with 2,948 feet of dockage for up to 112 transient nontrailerable vessels at the Rybovich Marina in West Palm Beach.
The State of Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission, in cooperation with the City of Riviera Beach, will receive $1,780,823 and match that amount with $1,800,825 to provide the first dedicated transient overnight dockage and day dockage for up to 42 transient vessels 26 feet in length or longer at the Riviera Beach Municipal Marina in Riviera Beach.
Indiana: The Indiana Department of Environmental Management, in cooperation with the City of Michigan City and their Port Authority, will receive $1,480,895 and match that amount with $1,545,000 to install 36 transient boat slips and dock facilities at Michigan City’s Washington Park Marina on Lake Michigan.
Kentucky: The Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources, in cooperation with the City of Paducah, will receive $910,000 and match that amount with $320,000 to construct a 400 foot long transient dock with 26 boat slips and fuel dock along the Ohio River in Paducah.
New Jersey: The State of New Jersey Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the Township of Brick, will receive $807,051 and match that amount with $482,722 to construct a 550 foot long transient dock, a handicap accessibility lift, and associated upland support facilities in the Trader’s Cove Marina in the Township of Brick.
New York: The New York State Office of Parks, Recreation, and Historic Preservation, in cooperation with the Clayton Local Development Corporation, will receive $1,114,586 and match that amount with $626,956 to construct a transient dock facility along the St. Lawrence River, featuring restrooms, showers and laundry facilities protected by a wave attenuator at the Clayton Transient Dock Facility in Clayton.
North Carolina: The North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources, in cooperation with the Beaufort Harbor Marina and Yacht Club and the Carteret County Economic Development Foundation, will receive $455,176 and match that amount with $506,176 to construct 50 transient boat slips and other amenities along Beaufort’s Town Creek.
Oregon: The Oregon State Marine Board, in cooperation with the Port of Coos Bay, will receive $645,000 and match that amount with $742,500 to provide transient slips for 13 vessels up to fifty-feet in length and 449-feet of broadside tie-up space, with direct gangway connection to the Charleston Marina Complex.
Tennessee: The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, in cooperation with the City of Clarksville, will receive $325,956 and match that amount with $325,955 to construct a dock, anchoring system, and gangway with utilities for transient boaters on the Cumberland River in Clarksville.
Virginia: The Virginia Department of Health, in cooperation with the Rockett’s Landing Marina, will receive $240,034 and match that same amount to add 15 transient boat slips, riprap embankment stabilization, full service diesel and gasoline pumps, restrooms, showers, and laundry facilities for transient boaters along the James River in Richmond.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit www.fws.gov.
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