Maryland Waterway Improvement Fund Awards $13.5 Million

The Maryland Department of Natural Resources is providing $13.5 million in Waterway Improvement Fund grants in Fiscal Year 2021 to enhance and improve public boating access facilities, water safety, and navigation throughout the state.

This funding will go toward 43 projects in 17 counties, along with grants for statewide projects and emergency needs. Funded projects include renovations to public boating access infrastructure such as boat ramps, piers, pilings, and bulkheads; dredging of navigable waterways; icebreaking and emergency water rescue vessels; and equipment for emergency and first responders.

Maryland’s Waterway Improvement Fund was established in 1966 for the purpose of funding projects that improve and promote the recreational and commercial capabilities, conditions and safety of Maryland’s waterways for the benefit of the general boating public. Revenues for this fund are primarily obtained from the onetime 5% excise tax that is paid to the State of Maryland when a boat is purchased and titled in the state.

Since its inception, the Waterway Improvement Fund has provided more than $300 million for over 4,500 projects at more than 300 public boating access sites.

The Waterway Improvement Fund also supports services such as ice breaking/navigation aids/derelict boat/debris removal, management of the Clean Marina Initiative, the Marine Sewage Pumpout Program, Shore Erosion Control, and Boating Safety.

The department’s Center for Waterway Improvement and Infrastructure is now accepting grant applications for Waterway Improvement Fund projects for FY 2022. Applicants must create an account in the online portal Grants Gateway and apply under “Outcome 5.” The department strongly encourages early submission of requests. The deadline for Waterway Improvement Fund FY2022 applications is October 9.