PHOTO COURTESY NMMAThe U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service yesterday announced that it will provide more than $20 million in funding to states and the U.S. Virgin Islands under the Boating Infrastructure Grant program. The money will be used to build, renovate and maintain marinas and related facilities used for outdoor recreation.
The program since 2000 has awarded more than $283 million, according to a statement. Funding for the BIG program comes from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, a user pay system that finances conservation programs and boating infrastructure projects.
“Boating Infrastructure Grants create and add public access for recreational boating and improvements to waterways across the nation, benefiting local communities and economies, wildlife and outdoor enthusiasts,” FWS director Martha Williams said in the statement. “Increasing outdoor recreation access and waterway stewardship complement the infrastructure improvements coming from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and America the Beautiful initiative.”
States receiving BIG grants include Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
