U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director H. Dale Hall announced that more than $700,000 from the Clean Vessel Act (CVA) grant program will be awarded to five states in the Midwest region in 2008. The grant program awarded a total of more than $13.6 million to 27 states across the nation. The grants will fund the construction and installation of sewage pumpout facilities, floating restrooms and pumpout boats in Illinois, Indiana, Ohio, Minnesota and Wisconsin. Funding will also create recreational boating education programs across the region.
“The Midwest Region is known for its beautiful lakes and waterways. The Clean Vessel Act grants help us work in coordination with our state partners to keep these waters clean for fish and wildlife, and for the continued enjoyment of recreational boaters,” said Regional Director Robyn Thorson.
Since the CVA grant program’s inception in the early 1990s, it has awarded states nearly $150 million to install thousands of sewage pumpout stations. Many states now rely upon mobile sewage pumpout boats to make the sewage collection process more efficient and convenient. Several states have begun installing floating restrooms and pumpout stations in high-use lakes and coastal areas.
Funding for the program (Code of Federal Domestic Grants number 15.616) 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.
7Grant awards in the Midwest Region include:
Illinois: The Illinois Department of Natural Resources will receive $100,000 to install up to five sewage pumpout stations throughout the state dependent upon the requests and needs of the states marina operators.
Indiana: The Indiana Department of Environmental Management will receive $177,444 to install up to eight sewage pumpout stations throughout the state and to continue efforts to inform boaters about the importance of proper disposal of sewage.
Minnesota: The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources will receive $149,034 to install three sewage pumpout stations at marinas throughout the state.
Ohio: The Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Watercraft will receive $260,325 to install sewage pumpout facilities at six locations throughout the state.
Wisconsin: The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources will receive $105,000 to install new sewage pumpout stations at several marinas on the states Great Lakes and inland waters.
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.
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