The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced that California will receive $110,562 in grant funding for two projects that will assist boaters. Nearly $14 million in grants will go to 32 states, commonwealths and territories for projects to support recreational boating through the Service’s Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program.
Grantees use BIG funds to construct, renovate and maintain marinas and other facilities with features for transient boats (those staying 10 days or less) that are 26 feet or more in length and used for recreation. Grantees may also utilize funds to produce and distribute information and educational materials about the program and recreational boating.
“Our recreational boats and boat docks share the water with fish and wildlife species critical to our ecology and economy,” said Service Director Dan Ashe. “In the same way good hunting practices and land stewardship benefit terrestrial wildlife, boating facilities can benefit aquatic species by keeping waterways clean and driving revenues to state wildlife agencies through fishing that can be placed back into conservation. It’s a cycle of success,” he added. “Not only do these grants help to create safe and improved recreational boating facilities, and provide improved access to boating and fishing opportunities –they put people to work.”
The California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways was selected to receive assistance for two projects. The City of Newport will use the funding to construct 96 feet of public dock that will provide additional space to service up to four boats at a time. The Port of San Luis will add a pair of solar-lighted channel markers that will create more light to safely guide visitors to their public tie-up facilities and associated amenities.
Funding for the BIG program comes from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, which boaters and manufacturers support through excise and other taxes on certain fishing and boating equipment and gasoline. It must be matched by the states at a rate of $1 for every $3 of federal funds.
“State agencies and their partners are the backbone to the successes of the BIG program, bringing matching funds to the table to support these projects,” said Hannibal Bolton, the Service’s Assistant Director for the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program. “Through the BIG grants program, we strengthen community ties by enhancing access to historic, cultural and natural resources for millions of boat owners and outdoor enthusiasts.”
Tier 1 BIG grants are distributed to the states on a non-competitive basis, with a maximum amount of $200,000 per state. This year, 31 states applied for and received Tier 1 grants. Tier 2 grants are competitive, with a maximum of $1.5 million per grant. This year, 8 states received these grants (all but one also received Tier 1 funds). Click here for the list of Tier 2 projects. For more information about the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration program visit http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/.
