US government awards $20m in boating infrastructure grants

The US Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) has announced more than $20 million in grant funding to assist states and territories in the construction, renovation and maintenance of marinas and other boating facilities for outdoor recreation.

Reauthorised by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, this year’s Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) programme supports projects in 20 states, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands.

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 and Wisconsin.

“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,” says USFWS service director Martha Williams. “Increasing outdoor recreation access and waterway stewardship complement the infrastructure improvements coming from the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and America the Beautiful initiative.”

This year’s grants will support an estimated 381 new slips and berths as well as thousands of linear feet of additional side-tie docking space, plus other amenities, including fuel docks, showers and Wi-Fi access for the benefit and enjoyment of the transient recreational boating public.

Since its inception in 2000, the BIG programme has awarded over $283 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 6,800 berths and other amenities.