The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service authorized more than $21 million in Boating Infrastructure Grant funding to support the construction, renovation and maintenance of marinas and other boating facilities. The money will be used to build an estimated 187 slips and 7,768 linear feet of side-tie docking space, fuel docks and showers in 21 states, Guam and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
Reauthorized under the bipartisan infrastructure law, BIG is part of a state-industry-federal partnership that provides access to places where people can 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 in a statement. “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 tiers of funding. Each level requires that grantees provide a matching share of at least 25% of project costs. Tier 1 provides maximum federal funding of $300,000 per state annually, and Tier 2 funding is nationally competitive and 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 more than $17 million will fund projects in 12 states, nine of which are also receiving Tier 1 grants, in Tier 2.
Since its inception in 2000, BIG has awarded more than $300 million to projects for transient boats larger than 26 feet staying at marinas for 15 days or less. The program is funded through excise taxes and duties on marine fuels and certain fishing and boating equipment.
