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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Feb. 13, 2008
Contact:
Rachel F. Levin, 612-713-5311
Nicholas Throckmorton, 703-358-2235
EA 08-10
Wisconsin Receives $765,000 Grant to Improve
Recreational Boating Infrastructure in Green BaySecretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne today announced that more than $13.5 million in competitive grants will be awarded to 15 states from California to Rhode Island for 19 boating infrastructure projects. The grants, which will help fund construction of docks, boat slips and other facilities to support recreational boating, are made available through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program.
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, in cooperation with the City of Green Bay, will receive nearly $765,000 and match that amount to build 26 docks on the Fox River, re-establishing visual, physical, recreational, social and ecological connections to the river, historically the heart of Green Bay. The project will allow for significantly increased public access to and from the river, create transient boating opportunities, and diversify social and ecological life along the river.
“The Boating Infrastructure Grant program expands opportunities for recreational boating while strengthening a community’s ties to the water,” said Secretary Kempthorne. “Although it is funded by boaters, this program benefits the entire community by helping local economies, helping people connect with nature and improving public safety.
Funding for the BIG program comes from the Sport Fishing and Boating Trust Fund, formerly known as the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund, which is supported by excise taxes on certain fishing and boating equipment and boat fuels. Smaller non-competitive grants are also available to states that are willing to match the BIG funding. The Service will release approximately $3.7 million to 38 states in non-competitive BIG funding.
Wisconsin has received more than $1.5 million through the BIG program since 2000. This is the first competitive BIG grant the state has received.
BIG funds can be used to construct, renovate and maintain tie-up facilities with features for boats that cannot be trailered in vessels 26 feet or more in length. The funds also can be used to produce and distribute information and educational materials about the program.
A panel of representatives from the Service as well as a committee from the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council reviewed and scored the BIG proposals. The council is a federally chartered body that advises the Secretary of the Interior and the Service on recreational fishing and boating issues.
“Recreational boating enriches family life and strengthens children’s connections to nature,” said Council Chair Ryck Lydecker. “The BIG program, which boaters pay for, has become a key element to help them continue that tradition.”
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people. We are both a leader and trusted partner in fish and wildlife conservation, known for our scientific excellence, stewardship of lands and natural resources, dedicated professionals and commitment to public service. For more information on our work and the people who make it happen, visit <www.fws.gov>.
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