Boating Infrastructure Grant
(BIG)
Program
The Boating Infrastructure Grant Program provides funding to develop and renovate boating facilities targeting recreational boats 26 feet and larger. Grants also may be used for boater education.
Typical Projects
- Renovating guest docks
- Adding utilities to moorage docks
- Building moorage docks and floats
Funding Source
Funding comes from a portion of the federal Aquatic Resources Trust Fund.
Who can apply?
- Local agencies (including special purpose districts, such as port, park and recreation, public utility)
- Native American tribes
- Qualified nonprofit organizations active in recreational boating
- Qualified private marina operators
- State agencies
Match requirements
A 25 percent match is required for all projects. Except for state agencies and Native American tribes, at least 10 percent of the total project cost must be from a non-state, non- federal contribution. The match may include:
- Appropriations or cash
- Bonds
- Donations of cash, land, labor, equipment, and materials
- State, local, and private grants
- Applicant’s labor, equipment, and materials
Planning Requirement
Federal guidance requires documentation of compliance with the National Environmental Policy Act (NEPA) and other federal environmental laws, regulations, and executive orders as part of an authorized project. Applicants must complete the NEPA compliance check list, section 7, evaluation form. See Manual 5, Application Procedures.
Grant Caps
There are two funding categories for the BIG Program: Tier 1 and Tier 2.
- Tier 1: Grant cap is $95,000 per project.
- Tier 2: Applicants must request a minimum of $100,001 per project.
Funding Anticipated (Average)
- Tier 1: $200,000
- Tier 2: Projects in this category compete nationally and awards have varied.
Eligible Projects
-
Development or renovation of:
- Boarding floats, transient moorage floats, fixed docks, piers, buoys
- Breakwaters
- Dinghy docks
- Navigational aids
- Upland support facilities – restrooms, showers, utilities, etc.
Ineligible Projects
- Land acquisition
Long-term Commitment
Property developed or renovated with BIG funding must be kept for public use for 20 years from the date of RCO's last payment to the grant recipient.
Grant Application Schedule
Generally grant applications are accepted annually. See this year’s schedule.Grant Evaluation Process (6 months)
For Tier 1 projects:
- Applicants submit an online application. See requirements.
- Applications and written materials are reviewed and scored by staff and a panel of experts in recreational boating.
- The ranked list is presented to the Recreation and Conservation Funding Board for consideration.
- The board approves a ranked list of projects and sends it to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for approval.
For Tier 2 projects
- Applicants submit an online application. See requirements.
- The Recreation and Conservation Office forwards the applications to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for evaluation as part of the national competition.
