Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program

Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program The purpose of BIG is to construct, renovate and maintain boating infrastructure facilities for transient recreational vessels at least 26 feet long. Applications are due annually by June 1. Tier 1 - State Provides up to $300,000 per year to each state. Projects are competitively ranked within the state. Tier 2 - National Provides up to $1,500,000 per project. Projects are competitively ranked at the national level. Who can apply Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program funds are available to public and private agencies, marinas and other facilities that provide transient tie-up (15 days or less) opportunities for large recreational boats 26 feet or more in length. Eligibility Construction, renovation and maintenance of boating infrastructure tie-up facilities, solely for transient recreational vessels 26 feet or more in length. Does not include: Commercial vessels, cruise ships, dive boats, ferries and vessels that operate permanently from the proposed project location. Produce information and education materials specific to BIG or BIG funded projects ( charts, cruising guides, and brochures). Eligible activities Some examples of potentially eligible activities include, but are not limited to, the following: boat buoys, dinghy or courtesy docks, day docks and gangways; fuel facilities and similar amenities; and security features; and environmental studies or assessments; equipment and structures for collecting, disposing of or recycling liquid or solid waste from eligible vessels or for eligible users; retaining and living shorelines; debris deflection structures or water hazard removal; dredging necessary to fulfill the purpose and objectives of the project; maintenance of facilities during the project period; repair or restoration of roads, parking lots, walkways or other surface areas damaged as a direct result of BIG-funded construction; and monitoring of BIG awards. Ineligible activities An application is ineligible for funding if it proposes to: implement or support law enforcement activities; significantly degrade or destroy valuable natural resources or alter the cultural or historic nature of the area; support operations of a BIG-funded facility including routine custodial activities, service worker salaries, facility or insurance; develop a state program plan to construct, renovate r maintain boating infrastructure; acquire land or any interest in land; construct, renovate or maintain roads or parking lots, except as described at § 86.11(a)(1); construct, renovate or maintain service or other retail administration or management; construct, renovate or maintain facilities for boat or other services; purchase or operate service boats to transport boaters to and from mooring areas; conduct certain marketing activities that do not focus on BIG or the BIG-funded facility (see § 86.16(a)(8); purchase supplies and other expendable personal property not directly related to achieving the project objectives; and support other activities that are inconsistent with the purposes of BIG or that are inconsistent with Federal Cost Principles (see 2 CFR part 200, subpart F). Special Conditions or Requirements Facilities constructed, operated or maintained with grant funds must offer reasonable access for all transient recreational vessels for the full period of their useful life. Facilities must be open to the public during reasonable time periods. Entities may charge fees. Fees must be comparable to the prevailing rate in the area.

Eligibility Construction, renovation and maintenance of boating infrastructure tie-up facilities, solely for transient recreational vessels 26 feet or more in length. Does not include: Commercial vessels, cruise ships, dive boats, ferries and vessels that operate permanently from the proposed project location.