The Boating Infrastructure Grant Program (BIG) was established to provide "nontrailerable" boats, those 26 feet or more in length, greater access to the recreational, cultural, historic, scenic and natural resources within the United States. These boats represent approximately 4 percent of the 16.9 million recreational boats in the U.S. and can have a significant economic impact on communities.
The Program funds projects designed to improve docking facilities to better accommodate large cruising boats. Its goals are to strengthen local ties to the boating community, raise awareness for the economic benefits of recreational boating, promote public/private partnerships entrepreneurial opportunities, provide continuity of public access to the shore and promote awareness of transient boating opportunities.
Funding
The Boating Infrastructure Grant Program, authorized in 1998, made available $32 million to States and Territories. Eligible grant activities include construction, renovation and/or maintenance of tie-up facilities to accommodate transient boats 26 feet or greater in length.
To ensure that each state receives a share, funding is provided on a two-tiered basis. For Tier One grants, all states receive at least $100,000 per grant cycle as long as their proposals meet the Program's guidelines. Tier Two projects are designed for larger, more expensive projects and are awarded on a nationally competitive basis.
Activities
To accommodate boats 26 feet and longer, the Program provides the states funding for facilities such as:
transient slips and safe harbor facilities
floating and fixed piers and mooring bays
restrooms, retaining walls, bulkheads and dockside utilities
For general information contact:
Buddy Fazio
Boating Access Grant Manager
505-248-7459 / fax: 505-248-7471
email: Buddy_Fazio@fws.gov
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program
P.O. Box 1306
Albuquerque, NM 87103-1306
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.
All images Credit to and Courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service unless specified otherwise.
States Organization for Boating Access
Last updated:
March 15, 2013
