The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced nearly $14 million in grants to 32 states, commonwealths and territories for projects to support recreational boating through the Service’s Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program.
Grantees use BIG funds to construct, renovate and maintain marinas and other 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 utilize funds to produce and distribute information and educational materials about the program and recreational boating.
Funding for the BIG program comes from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, which boaters and manufacturers support through excise and other taxes on certain fishing and boating equipment and gasoline. It must be matched by the states at a rate of $1 for every $3 of federal funds.
For more information, visit www.fws.gov.
source: U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service