U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides $21 million in grants for boating infrastructure, local communities & water recreation

Submitted by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced more than $21 million in Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) funding to support construction, renovation and maintenance of marinas and other boating facilities for outdoor recreation and waterway access, including more than $600,000 to the state of New York. This year’s grants will support projects in 21 states, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The funding will be used for an estimated total of 187 new slips and berths as well as 7,768 linear feet of additional side-tie docking space, and amenities such as fuel docks and showers benefitting the transient recreational boating public.

Reauthorized under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, BIG is part of a state-industry-federal partnership. The partnership and its resulting grants provide people with access to places where they can connect with nature and participate in outdoor activities such as boating and fishing.

“BIG funds benefit local communities and waterways and the recreational boaters who enjoy them,” Service Director Martha Williams said. “These grants provide opportunities for boating and fishing while improving economies in local communities, offering easy access to waterfronts and much-needed facilities.”

Under the BIG program, eligible partner boating agencies from all states, commonwealths, territories and the District of Columbia can submit proposals for two different tiers of funding, each requiring that most grantees provide a matching share of at least 25% of project costs. Tier 1 provides maximum federal funding of $300,000 per state annually, while tier 2 funding is nationally competitive and is typically for larger-scale projects with maximum federal funding of $1.5 million per application. This year, more than $4.4 million will fund projects in 18 states as well as Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands under the BIG tier 1 subprogram, and over $17 million will fund projects in 12 states (nine of which are also receiving tier 1 grants) under the BIG tier 2 subprogram. States receiving BIG grants include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Florida, Georgia, Iowa, Louisiana, Maine, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin.

Since its inception in 2000, BIG has awarded over $300 million to projects for large transient recreational boats (those over 26 feet in length and staying 15 days or less), including funding the construction of more than 7,000 berths and other amenities such as fuel docks and Wi-fi access and benefitting boaters across most states, commonwealths, territories and the District of Columbia. Boaters and manufacturers fund the program through excise taxes and duties on boating fuels and certain fishing and boating equipment, directed to the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund and administered by the service. Grantees can use BIG funds to construct, renovate and maintain marinas and other facilities with features for large transient boats that are used for recreation. Grantees may also use funds to produce and distribute information and educational materials about the BIG program and recreational boating.

More information regarding BIG and the 2024 tier 2 award application summaries can be found at www.fws.gov/program/boating-infrastructure.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service works with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. For more information, visit www.fws.gov or connect on social media: Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly known as Twitter), LinkedIn, Flickr and YouTube.