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The Boating Infrastructure Grant Program (BIG) was established to provide "nontrailerable" boats, those 26 feet or more in length, greater access to the recreational, cultural, historic, scenic and natural resources within the United States. These boats represent approximately 4 percent of the 600,000 recreational boats in the U.S. and can have a significant economic impact on communities.

The Program funds projects designed to improve docking facilities to better accommodate large cruising boats. Its goals are to strengthen local ties to the boating community, raise awareness for the economic benefits of recreational boating, promote public/private partnerships and entrepreneurial opportunities, provide continuity of public access to the shore and promote awareness of transient boating opportunities.

The Boating Infrastructure Grant Program, authorized in 1998, made available $32 million to States and Territories. Eligible grant activities include construction, renovation and/or maintenance of tie-up facilities to accommodate transient boats 26 feet or greater in length.

To ensure that each state receives a share, funding is provided on a two-tiered basis. For Tier One grants, all states receive at least $100,000 per grant cycle as long as their proposals meet the Program's guidelines. Tier Two projects are designed for larger, more expensive projects and are awarded on a nationally competitive basis.

To accommodate boats 26 feet and longer, the Program provides the states funding for facilities such as:

transient slips and safe harbor facilities

floating and fixed piers and mooring bays

restrooms, retaining walls, bulkheads and dockside utilities

For infomation about BIG opportunities in your state,
contact the Boating Access coordinator.

ARIZONA | NEW MEXICO | OKLAHOMA | TEXAS

For general information contact: Susan MacMullin Boating Access Grant Manager 505-248-7476 / fax: 505-248-7471 email: susan_macMullin@fws.gov U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Division of Federal Aid P.O. Box 1306 Albuquerque, NM 87103-1306

Resources Boating Access Boating Infrastucture Grant Awards Sport Fish Restoration Program Sites with Related Information States Organization for Boating Access Recreational Boating and Fishing Foundation

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