FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
March 14, 2011
Contact: Erica Szlosek (916) 978-6159
California Receives $3.7 Million in Grant Funds for Recreation Boating Projects
from U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service
Pacific Southwest Regional Director Ren Lohoefener announced today the awarding of nearly $3.7 million in competitive grants to California for boating infrastructure projects.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service awards these grants, which will help fund construction of docks, boat slips and other facilities to support recreational boating, through the Service’s Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program.
Funding for the BIG program comes from the Sport Fishing and Boating Trust Fund, formerly known as the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund, which boaters and manufacturers support through excise and other taxes on certain fishing and boating equipment and boat fuels.
Grantees use Boating Infrastructure Grant funds to construct, renovate, and maintain facilities with features for transient boats (those staying 10 days or less) that are 26 feet or more in length and used for recreation. Grantees may also use funds to produce and distribute information and educational materials about the program and recreational boating.
The California projects are:
The California Department of Boating and Waterways, in cooperation with the HIW Associates and their partners, will receive $882,728 and match that amount with $882,728 to re-construct a new facility to include a transient berthing area for up to 13 vessels, a modernized fueling station to include high-speed fueling, a new pumpout, an oil recycling center, and ADA restrooms on Harbor Island, North San Diego Bay.
The California Department of Boating and Waterways, in cooperation with Bellport Anacapa Marine Services and their partners will receive $1.5 million and match that amount with $1.2 million to demolish an old facility and replace it with a new marina to include a 52 slip addition for transient recreational boats on Channel Islands Harbor, Oxnard.
The California Department of Boating and Waterways, in cooperation with the Los Angeles County Department of Beaches and Harbors will receive $1.3 million and match that amount with $4,512,895 to convert 35 existing transient slips into 55 transient slips, replace the existing pumpout, and update services at Burton Chase Park, Marina Del Rey.
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 www.fws.gov.
NOTE: a photo of a 2008 awardee, the city of Stockton Guest Dock (south), is available on Flickr: http://www.flickr.com/photos/usfws_pacificsw/5527344134/in/set-72157624943888399/
-- FWS --
