Grant Monies Available

Is there something you would like to see improved or developed on the waterways you enjoy? There are numerous grants and programs available to community and civic entities to help create, expand, and/or improve boating amenities in your area.

If you would like to see more boat safety education programs, the Boating Safety Education Grant is available to assist in developing new programs or expand on what is currently available. Teaching more boat education classes, teaching advanced classes, and focusing classes on a specialized group of students are the target for this grant. Applications for this grant are due October 1.

Do you have a location where boaters could benefit from the renovation of or construction of a waste reception facility? The Clean Vessel Act Grant can cover a variety of costs related to the construction and/or renovation of pump out or dump station parts and supplies, supply lines, connectors, and can even help cover the cost of installation. Application for this grant must be postmarked by October 1 each year.

Political entities that are interested in improving navigational markings on bodies of water may be eligible to receive navigational aids at no cost. Application for these aids must be received by November 1.

The Marine Patrol Assistance Grant Program provides financial assistance to local law enforcement entities for the establishment, maintenance of, or operation of a marine patrol. December 31 is the deadline for receiving applications for this program.

If you are an entity that is responsible for a public owned or controlled recreational waterway adjoining Lake Erie or the Ohio River, you may be eligible for reimbursement of costs connected to the dredging of the waterway. Applications for the Recreational Harbor Evaluation Program Grant must be postmarked no later than April 1.

Political subdivisions and government agencies may be eligible for 100% reimbursement of costs incurred to improve or develop new recreational boating access points. The Cooperative Boating Facility Grant application must be postmarked by April 1 to be considered.

The BIG (Boating Infrastructure Grant) Program is open to all applicants that provide transient facilities for larger recreational watercraft. There are two levels of funding within this grant, Tier 1 being the smaller of the two and providing up to $100,000 for approved projects. Tier 2 projects are “scored” on a national level and awarded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Applications must be received by August 1 each year.

For detailed information on each of our grants, visit our Grants webpage and start planning your improvements.