Boating Infrastructure Grant Program

The North Carolina Boating Infrastructure Grant Program is administered by the North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality through its Division of Coastal Management. The program is funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund and is part of a nationally competitive federal initiative. It is designed to support the development of safe, accessible, and environmentally responsible boating infrastructure for transient recreational vessels. The program plays an important role in enhancing coastal access and supporting tourism and local economic development within North Carolina’s coastal regions. The primary purpose of the program is to fund the construction, renovation, and maintenance of tie-up facilities that accommodate transient recreational vessels that are at least 26 feet in length. Eligible facilities must provide short-term docking opportunities, defined as stays of 15 consecutive days or fewer, and must be open to the public. In addition to physical infrastructure, the program also supports the development of informational and educational materials related to boating facilities, such as nautical charts, cruising guides, and informational brochures that assist transient boaters. Funding is available to a range of applicants, including public entities such as local governments as well as private entities such as marinas and other boating facility operators. All eligible projects must be located within North Carolina’s 20 coastal counties and must demonstrate that they serve the needs of transient boaters while remaining accessible to the general public. The program emphasizes projects that enhance safety, accessibility, and environmental sustainability in coastal boating infrastructure. The application process for this program is currently in a preparatory phase. The Division of Coastal Management has indicated that it anticipates accepting new applications in Summer 2026. While specific application deadlines and submission requirements have not yet been released, prospective applicants are encouraged to monitor program updates and join the interested parties list to receive notifications. This early engagement period allows potential applicants to begin planning projects and preparing necessary documentation in advance of the formal application opening. Projects funded under this program must adhere to federal and state requirements associated with the Boating Infrastructure Grant program. This includes ensuring that facilities remain open to the public and are designed specifically to serve transient recreational vessels. The program also supports broader coastal management goals by encouraging infrastructure that aligns with environmental standards and contributes to long-term coastal resilience and accessibility. As the program transitions from the Division of Marine Fisheries to the Division of Coastal Management, additional guidance, application materials, and timelines are expected to be released. Applicants should anticipate a structured application process consistent with federal grant requirements, including project descriptions, cost estimates, and documentation demonstrating eligibility and public benefit. Final funding decisions and award timelines will be determined following the formal application cycle once it opens.

Ensure facilities meet transient boating requirements are open to the public and clearly demonstrate support for vessels 26 feet or longer