The Boating Infrastructure Grant Program provides funds for tie-up facilities and support facilities for transient vessels greater than 26 feet in length for stays of up to 15 days.

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Established in 1998, the Boating Infrastructure Grant Program (BIG) provides funding to states to provide greater access to the recreational, cultural, historic, scenic and natural resources within the United States for boats that are 26 feet or more in length (large cruising boats).

Bath Maine Transient Docks
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There are over 675,000 large cruising boats in the U.S. which have a significant economic impact on waterfront communities. The BIG program funds projects designed to improve docking and comfort facilities to better accommodate these boats.

Projects funded through the BIG program have many benefits, including:

  • Strengthening local community ties to transient boaters and marine manufacturers
  • Raising awareness of the economic benefits of recreational boating
  • Promoting public/private partnerships and entrepreneurial opportunities
  • Providing continuity of access to coastal communities
  • Promoting awareness of transient boating opportunities
  • Providing areas of safe harbor for transient boaters


By partnering with state boating agencies, funds directed through the Boating Infrastructure Grant program in the U.S. have expanded opportunities for boating and water-related recreation and the economies and communities they support.

Funds for the BIG program are provided annually from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund and are derived from excise taxes on fishing equipment, motorboat and small engine fuels, import duties, and interest on the fund.

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Our Library

Port Townsend Marina, Washington
Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Awards
This library includes information on funding for the Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program administered by the Service's Office of Conservation Investment. Boating Infrastructure Grants provide much needed funding to marinas and other boating facilities for outdoor recreation. Projects must...
Library Collection
9 Items
FY 2024 BIG Tier 1 Funding by State
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FY 2024 BIG Tier 1 Funding by State

Spreadsheet showing FY2024 Boating Infrastructure Grant Tier 1 fund allocations, by state. 

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FY 2024 BIG Tier 2 Funding
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FY 2024 BIG Tier 2 Funding

Spreadsheet showing FY2024 Boating Infrastructure Grant Tier 2 funding, by state. BIG Tier 2 is a competitive grant program.

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FY 2024 BIG Tier 2 Funded Application Summaries
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FY 2024 BIG Tier 2 Funded Application Summaries

Brief summaries of projects funded in FY2024 through the competitive Tier 2 Boating Infrastructure Grant Program. Projects are organized alphabetically by state and name. 

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