Boating Grants

There are several grant programs targeted at building facilities for recreational boaters. These grants provide funding to:

• Plan projects
• Buy land
• Develop and renovate public boating facilities, including launching ramps, guest moorage, and support facilities on both freshwater and saltwater.

Examples

• Renovate a boat launch
• Add electricity to marinas
• Add boat launch lanes
• Build parking and restrooms for a marina or launching area
• Design and obtain permits for boating facilities

Overview

ALEA - Aquatic Lands Enhancment Account
Provides funding to buy, protect, and restore aquatic lands habitat and to provide public access to the waterfront. Projects must be associated with navigable waters of the state. Learn more.
Applications Accepted	Who’s Eligible	Match	Eligible Project Types	Grant Limit
Even years	Local agencies* State agencies Tribes	50 percent	Acquisition of land or easements Development Renovation	$500,000 to $1 million

 

BFP - Boating Facilities Program
Provides funding to acquire, design, build, and renovate motorized boating facilities. Program funds projects that provide facilities for recreational, motorized boats less than 26 feet in length. A comprehensive plan is required. Learn more.
Applications Accepted	Who’s Eligible	Match	Eligible Project Types	Grant Limit
Even years	Local agencies State agencies Tribes	25 percent, none for state agencies	Land acquisition Development and renovation Design and permitting	$1 million for all project types, except design and permitting, which is the lesser of $200,000 or 20 percent of estimated construction cost

 

BIG - Boating Infrastructure Grant
Provides funding to develop and renovate boating facilities for guest recreational, motorized boats 26 feet and larger, and for boater education. Learn more.
Applications Accepted	Who’s Eligible	Match	Eligible Project Types	Grant Limit
Even years	Local agencies* State agencies Tribes Boating nonprofits Private operators of recreational boating businesses	25 percent	Development Renovation Education	Tier 1:  $95,000 Tier 2:  $1,455,000

 

Water Access Category WWRP - Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program
Provides funding to create physical access to shorelines for non-motorized, water-related recreation activities such as boating and fishing. At least 75 percent of funding in this grant category is dedicated to acquisition projects. A comprehensive plan is required. Learn more.
Applications Accepted	Who’s Eligible	Match	Eligible Project Types	Grant Limit
Even years	Local agencies* Tribes	50 percent	Land acquisition Development Renovation	$500,000 to $1 million

 

State Lands Development and Renovation Category WWRP - Washington Wildlife and Recreation Program
Provides funding to two state agencies to develop and renovate outdoor recreation facilities. A comprehensive plan is required. Learn more.
Applications Accepted	Who’s Eligible	Match	Eligible Project Types	Grant Limit
Even years	Department of Fish and Wildlife Department of Natural Resources	None	Development Renovation	$325,000

*Local agencies means a city, county, town, federally recognized Native American tribe, special purpose district, port district, or other political subdivision of the state providing services to less than the entire state if legally authorized to acquire and develop public open space, habitat, farmlands, riparian habitat, or recreation facilities.

* Local agencies means a city, county, town, federally recognized Native American tribe, special purpose district, port district, or other political subdivision of the state providing services to less than the entire state if legally authorized to acquire and develop public open space, habitat, farmlands, riparian habitat, or recreation facilities.
** State agencies eligible are Department of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Natural Resources, Department of General Administration, and State Parks and Recreation Commission