Grant Procedures
FUNDING SOURCES
The funding for the Clean Vessel Act (CVA) comes from the Sport Fish Restoration Account of the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund, commonly known as the Wallop-Breaux Fund. Monies in that fund result from a 10% excise tax on fishing equipment and a 3% tax on electric trolling motors and sonar fish finders, a portion of the Federal fuels tax, and import duties on fishing tackle and pleasure boats. The Clean Vessel Act Pumpout Grant program makes matching grants available through a competitive process to all states. Grant funds are offered at a ratio of 3:1 (Federal to State). Monies in the State of Ohio Waterway Safety Fund result from Ohio Boat Registration Fees, seven-eighths (7/8) of 1% of Ohio's gasoline tax, and a grant from the U.S. Coast Guard.
WHO IS ELIGIBLE TO APPLY?
CVA grant funds are available to public and private marinas and other vessel facilities. All pumpout or dump station facilities funded through this program must be open to the public.
PRIORITIES
Projects may be given extra consideration if they are located within the following areas.
- Waters with low flushing rates
- Waters with significant recreational value
- Waters within Coastal Zone programs
- "No Discharge Areas"
ELIGIBLE COSTS
Grant funds will pay for 100% of approved costs for construction and renovation of pumpout and/or dump stations for applications received after January 1, 2002.
Examples of typical costs include
- Purchase of pumpout/dump station equipment and any miscellaneous parts/supplies
- Plumbing connections to holding tank or sewer system
- Electrical and water supply
- Purchase and installation of lift stations, if needed
- Purchase of portable pumpouts
- Labor for installation
- New dock for pumpout, if used exclusively for pumpout needs.
Examples of ineligible costs include
- Facilities that are not available to the general public
- Any construction/renovation of the main sewer line, septic systems, or sewage treatment plants
- Construction/Renovation of upland or land based restroom facilities.
BASIS OF FUNDING
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Watercraft will provide 100% of the construction costs on a reimbursement basis. The applicant will pay the contractor and submit copies of paid invoices to be reimbursed. The Division of Watercraft is reimbursed 75% of the costs from the federal government.
The most important guideline to be aware of is that an applicant cannot start their project until official notification is received from ODNR. No reimbursement will be given for any work performed prior to entering into a formal agreement with ODNR. The formal agreement is a document (See sample agreement) signed by both the marina and the Director of the Department of Natural Resources. Any costs incurred prior to the Director signing this agreement are the responsibility of the applicant and will not be reimbursed by ODNR. ODNR will send the applicant a fully executed agreement with a formal letter stating permission to proceed with the project. Although each agreement/contract is negotiated separately, a sample agreement is available for reference.
PROJECT ACKNOWLEDGMENT
A permanent sign acknowledging the Sport Fish Restoration Program is required for all projects. ODNR will provide a sticker for this acknowledgment. In addition, a Pumpout placard and symbol will be required to be displayed to give boaters notice that a waste reception facility is available. ODNR will provide this placard.
PERMIT REQUIREMENTS
The applicant is required to secure all local and state permits required for the project. This requirement may include building and zoning permits.
Permits are not required prior to making application for a grant, but will be required before construction begins.
SITE VISIT
Site visits may be conducted after the application is received or during construction. Visits may be done by ODNR officials, representative from the local and State Health Departments, and/or representatives from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS).
PROJECT APPROVAL
If the application is approved for funding, the following procedure will be used:
- Actual costs of the project and project components will be negotiated with the USFWS. ODNR will act as the contact for approval of costs.
- Once the final costs have been approved, a formal agreement/contract will be drafted by ODNR. The cooperating agency will sign the agreement.
- Upon receipt of the signed agreement, the agreement will be signed by the Chief of the Division of Watercraft, and the Director of the Department of Natural Resources.
- ODNR will forward an original agreement to the applicant with a letter of authorization to proceed with the project. The applicant can then begin construction, etc. at their convenience.
POST CONSTRUCTION, OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE
Any facility that is developed with assistance from the Clean Vessel Act and the Division of Watercraft shall be operated and maintained so as to appear attractive and inviting to the public. Sanitation and sanitary facilities shall be maintained to comply with applicable state and local public health standards. The facility shall be kept safe for public use. The facility shall be kept open for public use during normal business hours.
USER FEES
User fees are allowed to help pay for the maintenance and hauling costs of operating the waste reception facility. A maximum of $5.00 may be charged, unless there are other factors. In the case where hauling or other costs warrant a higher fee, application may be made for a waiver of the $5.00 charge which must be approved by the USFWS.
BARRIER FREE ACCESS
The applicant/recipient shall meet all requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act, to the extent possible.
DISCRIMINATION PROHIBITED
The applicant/recipient agrees that no person shall, on the basis of race, sex, religion, age, color, any disability as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act, national origin or ancestry, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity for which the applicant/recipient receives financial assistance from the Division of Watercraft, or US Fish and Wildlife Service.
LIABILITY
The grant recipient agrees to defend and hold the state free from liability in case of claim or suit arising from the construction, operation, or maintenance of this project. |