Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar recently announced the award of more than $12 million in competitive grants to ten states ranging from Oregon to Florida for 13 boating infrastructure projects.
Published: May, 2010
Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar recently announced the award of more than $12 million in competitive grants to ten states ranging from Oregon to Florida for 13 boating infrastructure projects. The grants, which will help fund construction of docks, boat slips and other facilities to support recreational boating, are made available through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program.
The Service received a total of 22 eligible applications from 13 states for the competitive grants. One of the 13 winning projects for competitive grants includes funding for Treasure Island. The California Department of Boating and Waterways, in cooperation with the Treasure Island Marina, will receive $1,949,750 and match that amount with $2,237,250 to construct a 750-foot long transient dock with vacuum sewage disposal, handicap access to the landside restroom; shower and laundry areas; water; power; and fire suppression on Treasure Island.
“The Boating Infrastructure Grant program is one of the many ways we support access and provide quality outdoor opportunities for the nation’s recreational anglers and boaters,” said Secretary Salazar. “These grants also support major construction projects, creating jobs and providing much-needed economic benefits.”
Funding for the BIG program 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. The Service will also release more than $2.9 million to 31 states, commonwealths and territories willing to match a smaller, non-competitive grant program known as BIG Tier One funding.
Boating Infrastructure Grant funds are used to construct, renovate and maintain tie-up facilities with features for transient boats (those staying 10 days or less) that are 26 feet or more in length and used for recreation. The funds are also used to produce and distribute information and educational materials about the program and recreational boating.
