In a message that can serve as a reminder for boating-industry interests nationwide, the Marine Trades Association of New Jersey is calling on its members to review and capitalize on the long-standing Boating Infrastructure Grant Program.
Through BIG P, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service annually makes funds available “to construct, renovate and maintain tie-up facilities for transient recreational boats 26 feet or more in length.”
The program isn’t new. It was authorized in 1998 after several years of dedicated work led by BoatUS. BIG P passes funds down through state agencies to create greater access to on-water boating resources across the country.
The success of BIG P is amazing. Some examples of developments and programs include:
• installing navigational aids
• one-time dredging projects
• adding/improving breakwaters
• modernizing dockside utility services
• improving comfort/restroom facilities
• installing recycling and trash receptacles
• creating and distributing marketing materials
The benefits of the program include raising awareness of the positive economics of boating; promoting transient boating opportunities; providing areas of safe harbor; increasing access to communities along waterways; and strengthening local area ties to boating, to name a few.
BIG P partners with state boating agencies that receive the applications and direct the funds. Moreover, the program is not a handout of general taxpayer money. It’s a dedicated program funded by boaters and anglers — a successful user pay/user benefit program. The funding comes annually from the Sport Fish Restoration & Boating Trust Fund, which is derived from excise taxes on fishing equipment, boat fuel taxes, imported equipment duties and fund interest.
Boating interests desiring to get BIG P funding for qualifying projects should reach out to their state boating agencies. Using New Jersey as an example, MTANJ is directing its members to send proposals to the New Jersey Department of Transportation, Office of Maritime Resources.
The NJDOT/OMR is accepting proposals for fiscal year 2024 grants, with a filing deadline of Sept. 20. In all other states, if you’re interested in a BIG P grant, check with your state’s boating agency for specific procedures and deadlines.
Here’s how it works. The BIG P is a two-tiered program. In Tier 1, every state is given a specific amount. In our New Jersey example, Tier 1 will provide the state’s agency $300,000 that it can distribute among its applicants.
Tier 2 is the bigger money, comprising a nationwide competitive system that can award a total of up to $1.5 million per application.
While the BIG P may not be widely recognized in all boating circles, nor properly heralded in local media, it is a successful program that continuously boosts boating. Since 2000, the program has awarded $283 million to projects that have improved boater experiences.
A well-earned tip of our cap to the BIG P.
