$20.6 Million Provided for 2019 BIG Grants

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s (USFWS) Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program has awarded $20.6 million in grants to states and U.S. territories. By providing funding to support dedicated boat tie-up facilities and associated amenities, the BIG program helps Americans enjoy the nation’s waters, wildlife and natural and cultural resources.

USFWS is providing $20.6 million in grants to states for projects to support recreational boating through the BIG program. More than $16 million will be awarded competitively for 20 projects in 11 states under the BIG Tier II subprogram. The agency will also release more than $4 million to fund 36 projects in 24 states, commonwealths and territories under the BIG Tier I subprogram. States and their partners will provide more than $15 million in non-federal matching funds toward these projects. These grants are awarded on an annual basis.

Grantees use BIG funds to construct, renovate and maintain marinas and other facilities with features for transient boats (those staying 15 days or less), that are 26 feet or more in length, and are used for recreation. Grantees may also use 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 fuel. Since its inception in 2000, the BIG program has awarded $215 million to projects for large transient recreational boats, including funding the construction of more than 5,400 berths and other amenities for boaters across most states and U.S. territories.

Click here for a list of projects.