Division of Boating and Waterways 2026 Boating Infrastructure Grant

The Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program, administered by California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW), is a federally funded initiative supported by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. The grant is designed to aid in the construction and renovation of facilities that accommodate transient recreational vessels measuring at least 26 feet in length. Transient vessels are defined as those that stay for 15 days or less and are simply passing through a location. The program emphasizes enhancing public access to waterways and fostering economic development by improving boating infrastructure. The purpose of the BIG program is multifaceted, aiming to increase accessibility to recreational, cultural, historic, and scenic resources; promote public-private partnerships; bolster economic opportunities along the waterfront; and ensure public access to shorelines for transient boaters. Eligible projects include engineering, permitting, environmental compliance, and the construction or renovation of facilities like tie-up docks, potable water stations, pumpouts, boater showers, fuel stations, laundry, and breakwaters. Limited dredging and installation of navigational aids are also covered when necessary for safe access to these facilities. All facilities must be built to last at least 20 years and comply with federal and state accessibility and environmental regulations, including NEPA, CEQA, ADA, and the Buy America, Build America Act. Projects can be either publicly or privately owned but must be open to the public. Facilities must offer access to all eligible transient recreational vessels and meet specific criteria, such as being on navigable waters with a minimum depth of six feet. Ineligible uses include private benefit projects, law enforcement activities, and maintenance-related expenses. Additionally, any construction or renovation must provide significant public benefit and not restrict access based on membership or commercial usage. To apply, applicants must first submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) by 5:00pm PDT on Friday, June 13, 2025. The LOI is limited to three pages and must include the applicant organization, project title, location, description, funding needs, and budget narrative. Only those selected through this LOI phase will be invited to submit full proposals. DBW will notify selected applicants approximately two weeks after the LOI deadline. The full proposals are only accepted from those specifically invited. Applications will be evaluated based on criteria such as linkage to prominent destination points, access to significant recreational and cultural resources, cost effectiveness, and the use of innovative techniques or additional non-federal funding. A successful application will clearly articulate the need, purpose, objectives, and anticipated benefits of the project. For further assistance or to discuss project eligibility, applicants are encouraged to contact Ethan Tratner at ethan.tratner@parks.ca.gov or (916) 902-8823. Additional resources, including guidance and a sample LOI, are available for download from the California State Parks website.