Fish & Boat Commission Now Accepting Applications For Boating Facility Grants

On September 5, the Fish and Boat Commission said it is now accepting applications for the next round of Boating Facility Grants.  Applications are due November 30.

The Boating Facility Grant program provides grants for planning, acquisition, development, expansion, and rehabilitation of public boating facilities located on the waters of the Commonwealth.   

The PFBC encourages townships, boroughs, and municipal and county governments to apply.  Nonprofit groups (501c3) including land trusts, conservancies, and watershed associations are also eligible to apply.  

Private businesses and service clubs are not eligible for direct funding but are encouraged to partner with their local county or municipality.

“Across Pennsylvania, momentum continues to grow around outdoor recreation as a whole, and the enthusiasm we're seeing for recreational boating is incredible," said Tim Schaeffer, PFBC Executive Director.  “Participation in paddlesports, especially kayaking, has surged, and many communities are eager to accommodate families and individuals by adding or improving safe and convenient public access to the water.  Funds awarded through this grant program can help communities develop projects, particularly projects that are accessible for all, to improve existing access areas or develop something new to serve local residents and attract recreational boaters to their communities."

Applicants can seek grants for site acquisition, development, expansion, prevention of the spread of aquatic invasive species, and rehabilitation of recreational boat access facilities.  

Eligible construction projects may include, boat ramps, courtesy floats, restrooms, access roads, parking areas and signs.  

Funds may also be used to enhance the facility's ADA compliance or by adding adaptive elements to the access site.  Applicants are encouraged to keep accessibility for all in mind when developing their applications.

Funding requests require a 50% match.  For the 2025 round of grants, the PFBC will accept applications from anywhere in the Commonwealth. 

Click Here for complete announcement.

Visit the Fish & Boat Commission's Boating Facilities Grant Program webpage for more information.

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[Posted: September 5, 2024]  PA Environment Digest