The Clean Vessel Act (CVA) program provides funding to state agencies for the construction, renovation, operation, and maintenance of pump-out stations and waste reception facilities to meet the needs of recreational boaters. States may also use CVA grant funds to provide information programs to the recreational boating public about environmental pollution and health problems whch result from direct sewage discharge into water and the location of pump-out and other waste reception facilities. States are encourages to partner with local governmnets, public marinas and others to deliver this program to the recreational boating public.
CVA grants are available through a nationally competitive process. The ranking criteria, identification of eligible activities and other regulatory requirements can be found at 50 CFR 85. Other governing guidance includes, The Clean Vessel Act of 1992, 43 CFR part 12, and the Service Manual 523 FW 1. (http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/subpages/ToolKitFiles/toolkit.pdf).
Funding
Funds for the CVA program are provided annually from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. Monies deposited into the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund are derived from excise taxes on fishing equipment, motorboat and small engine fuels, import duties, and interest on the fund. Two percent of the total amount in the Trust Fund, after administration costs are deducted, are directed to the CVA program.
Applying
Proposals from the states are usually due to the WSFR Program regional office in January of each year. When the Request for Proposal is announced it is posted on Grants.gov and may also be obtained from the WSFR Program regional CVA contact or State CVA Coordinator. A 25% match of non-Federal funds is required. Funds must be obligated within three years of the award.
Activities
Some typical CVA projects inlcude:
Pump-out systems for boat holding tanks
Portable pump-outs and pump-out boats
Floating restrooms
Installation of docks to hold pump-outs
Infromation for marinas and boaters
For general information contact:
Susan MacMullin
CVA Grant Manager
505-248-7476 / fax: 505-248-7471
email: susan_macMullin@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
