2/13/2008
 

SACRAMENTO, Calif., -  The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced that more than $13.5 million in competitive grants will be awarded to 15 states ranging from California to Rhode Island for 19 boating infrastructure projects. The grants, which total more than $1.825 in California, will help fund construction of docks, boat slips and other facilities to support recreational boating, are made available through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Boating Infrastructure Grant program.

"This grant program, known as BIG, expands opportunities for recreational boating and helps strengthen the community's ties to the water," said Steve Thompson, Regional Director the USFWS- California and Nevada Region. It is funded by boaters but benefits the entire community. The program aids local economies and improves public safety."

Funding for the BIG program comes from the Sport Fishing and Boating Trust Fund, formerly known as the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund, which is supported by excise taxes on certain fishing and boating equipment and boat fuels. Smaller non-competitive grants are also available to states that are willing to match the BIG funding. The Service will release approximately $3.7 million to 38 states in non-competitive BIG funding.  BIG funds can be used to construct, renovate and maintain tie-up facilities with features for boats that cannot be trailered in vessels 26 feet or more in length.  The funds also can be used to produce and distribute information and educational materials about the program.

A panel of representatives from the Service as well as a committee from the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council reviewed and scored the BIG proposals.  The Council is a federally chartered body that advises the Secretary of the Interior and the Service on recreational fishing and boating issues. 

"Recreational boating enriches family life and strengthens children's connections to nature," said Council Chair, Ryck Lydecker. "The BIG program, which boaters pay for, has become a key element to help them continue that tradition."

The Service received 35 proposals from 20 states for these competitive grants.  

The California Department of Boating and Waterways, in cooperation with the city of Stockton, will receive nearly $1.4 million and match that amount with nearly $1.4 million to construct new dockage for up to 46 visiting boats throughout the Stockton Marina.  The facilities will include dockside utilities and other amenities. Stockton is the largest city in San Joaquin County and is growing rapidly. The downtown, located at the terminal of the Stockton Channel off the San Joaquin River, is in the process of being revitalized. The Stockton Waterfront Marina redevelopment project is in the heart of the downtown and is part of the revitalization effort by the city to activate and renovate the economy of the downtown area. The Downtown Marina and guest dockage project that is expected to become a premier destination for boaters in the San Joaquin and Sacramento Delta systems.

The California Department of Boating and Waterways, in cooperation with San Francisco Waterfront Partners, will also receive more than $425,000 and match that amount with the same to construct dockage for 22 visiting boats as part of the larger rehabilitation project on San Francisco Piers 1½, 3 and 5. San Francisco is a regional destination for boaters from cities all over the San Francisco Bay and the delta region, as well as the world.

# # #