Multiple fish and wildlife species and recreational boaters in California and Nevada will benefit from $2.2 million in grants awarded through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Clean Vessel Act (CVA) program. The CVA program helps states maintain clean and healthy waters. Pump-out systems built or purchased through these funds ensure recreational boaters have a safe, convenient, and effective method to dispose of on-board sewage. The funds also support boater education programs and the construction of boat ramps, docks and other infrastructure that create jobs in local communities.
“CVA funds are critical to ensuring our nation’s waterways remain safe, healthy and viable for all Americans – including the fish, birds and other wildlife that call these lush and vibrant ecosystems home,” said Service Director Dan Ashe. “By working with state fish and wildlife agencies and other partners, we are continuing to protect our country’s aquatic ecosystems for generations to come.”
Boaters and manufacturers contribute to the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund through excise taxes and duties on certain fishing and boating equipment and boating fuels. Since the program’s inception in 1993, the Service has allocated more than $234 million in CVA grants to U.S. states and territories to help keep the nation’s waterways clean. Examples of 2016 CVA projects include:
- California – Coastal $948,750, Inland $1,170,000 - The California Department of Boating and Waterways will reduce vessel sewage pollution from overboard discharges into their state waters through the installation of seven new or replacement pump-out stations and operation and maintenance funding for all CVA equipment along the coast. They will also install seven new floating restrooms; fund an estimated 20 operations and maintenance agreements and one pump out boat at lakes throughout California. A proposed education program will reach out to the millions of recreational boaters in California and educate them about why it is so important to not discharge sewage into California’s waterways; and inform them of facilities available to meet their waste disposal needs.
- Nevada – Inland $92,704 – The Nevada Department of Wildlife will renovate and upgrade two pump-out stations at Callville Bay Marina and Cottonwood Cove Resort Marina and provide operation and maintenance funding for a pump-out boat. CVA information and educational materials will be provided to Nevada boaters.
“The CVA program’s support through the user-pay, public-benefit cycle has contributed to the successes of the Sport Fish Restoration programs,” said Acting WSFR Assistant Director Paul Rauch. “States are able to apply for CVA funding, and they or their partners provide matching funds to complete projects. Sub-grantees often include local municipalities and private marinas. These partnership efforts are a win-win for clean water and the many families who enjoy recreational boating and the great outdoors.”
For more information regarding the 2016 CVA grant awards visit:
http://www.fws.gov/home/feature/2016/pdfs/2016CVA-Project-Summaries-FINAL.pdf.
For more information about the CVA program visit:
http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/GrantPrograms/CVA/CVA.htm.
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 http://www.fws.gov/cno. Connect with our Facebook page, follow our tweets, watch our YouTube Channel, and download photos from our Flickr page.
-FWS-
