Division of Boating and Waterways Sewage Management Operation and Maintenance Grant

The Sewage Management Operation and Maintenance Grant is administered by the California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW), acting as the State Grant coordinator for the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. This program is part of the national Clean Vessel Act (CVA) initiative passed by Congress in 1992 to reduce pollution from recreational vessels. The CVA provides financial support for the construction, renovation, operation, and maintenance of pumpout and dump stations used by recreational boaters to manage sewage waste responsibly. The Operation and Maintenance (O&M) Grant specifically reimburses marina facility operators—both public and private—for up to 75 percent of eligible expenses related to the upkeep of existing sewage pumpout systems. These expenses include labor and parts necessary to maintain functioning pumpout stations. Applicants must be operators of boating facilities that are open to the public and may include local governments or private businesses. This program emphasizes environmental responsibility and aims to maintain California’s waterways for safe and enjoyable recreational use. Grants are issued on a reimbursement basis only. Applicants must not commence purchases, installations, or repairs until a fully executed grant agreement is in place. The program also includes a mandatory cost-share: recipients must contribute at least 25 percent of the operation and maintenance costs. These contributions can come in the form of cash, in-kind labor, materials, or a combination of these, as long as they are documented appropriately. The duration of the O&M grant agreements typically ranges from one to three years. Costs are only reimbursed if they are incurred within the designated grant period. While the program is recurring as part of an ongoing federal initiative, each grant cycle is governed by a separate agreement that outlines specific funding terms and responsibilities. Applications must be submitted through the Online Grant Application (OLGA) platform. Guidance for using OLGA is provided via instructional webinars and documentation. Program management resources, including forms and manuals, are available to grantees through the DBW website. For further assistance, applicants are encouraged to contact Ethan Tratner from the Grants and Loans Unit at the Division of Boating and Waterways. This program aligns with broader federal and state environmental priorities and plays a critical role in maintaining water quality across California’s recreational boating facilities. With funding sourced from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, the O&M grant ensures continued public access to properly maintained sanitation infrastructure in marinas across the state.

Do not begin any work before the grant agreement is fully executed; all purchases must occur during the agreement term to be reimbursable.