Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Statewide Public Access Grant Program

The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission administers the Statewide Public Access Grant Program to enhance and expand public fishing and boating opportunities throughout the Commonwealth. The program provides financial assistance to eligible entities for the planning, design, acquisition, development, expansion, and rehabilitation of public access facilities. It supports projects that directly benefit recreational anglers and boaters by ensuring that Pennsylvania’s waterways remain accessible, safe, and well-maintained. Through this initiative, the Commission aims to secure lasting public access to fishing and boating resources while promoting conservation and stewardship of aquatic environments across the state. The Statewide Public Access Grant Program encompasses two primary funding activities: the Boating Facility Grant Program (BFGP) and the Erie Access Improvement Program (EAIP). The BFGP provides funding for projects involving public boating facilities across the Commonwealth’s waters, while the EAIP focuses specifically on public fishing access, habitat protection, and fishery improvement projects within the Lake Erie watershed, including Presque Isle Bay and its tributaries. Each program supports planning, design, engineering, acquisition, and construction work, but excludes routine maintenance and operational activities. The Commission occasionally sub-awards funds from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, in which case applicants are subject to applicable federal requirements. Eligible applicants include municipal and county governments, land trusts, conservancies, Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources–designated State Heritage Areas, qualifying nonprofit organizations recognized under Section 501(c)(3), and trail or watershed associations. Applicants must demonstrate capacity to acquire property, complete construction projects, and maintain public facilities. Nonprofits such as schools and service clubs are not eligible for direct funding but may apply through an eligible local government. Organizations must be incorporated as nonprofits in Pennsylvania and have proven records of successful project delivery. The Commission requires that all properties developed or acquired with assistance be maintained for public access, typically through perpetual easements or long-term control agreements lasting at least twenty-five years. Grant funds may cover direct project costs such as acquisition, engineering, design, and construction of ramps, docks, parking, and related facilities. Eligible acquisition costs include purchase prices, legal and settlement fees, appraisals, environmental assessments, and surveys. Costs related to general operations, maintenance, administrative overhead, or ineligible amenities like picnic areas or bike racks are not supported. Projects must occur on land under sufficient ownership or lease control to prevent conversion to other uses. All projects must conform to engineering standards and may be inspected by Commission staff before reimbursement, as funds are only disbursed upon completion of verified work. Applications are accepted during announced funding cycles, with notices published annually on the Commission’s website and through media outlets. Grants are awarded competitively, and projects are typically expected to be completed within two years. Applications must include detailed budgets, proof of property control, and evidence of matching funds, typically covering at least fifty percent of project costs, though higher matches receive priority consideration. Some projects may be eligible for up to 100 percent funding under special circumstances. Application materials must be submitted by the posted deadline, and pre-application meetings with the Statewide Public Access Program Manager are strongly encouraged. The evaluation process involves review, scoring, and ranking of applications by Commission staff. Projects exceeding $100,000 are reviewed and approved by the Commission, while those under $100,000 may be approved by the Executive Director. Evaluation criteria include alignment with program priorities, accessibility for individuals with disabilities, geographic distribution, local demand, the amount of public benefit, and matching fund levels. Successful recipients are responsible for maintaining their facilities and complying with accessibility, non-discrimination, and reporting requirements. The grant contact for program inquiries is the Statewide Public Access Grant Program Manager, Bureau of Boating, Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission, P.O. Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000, reachable via phone at 717-346-8196 or email at ra-boatgrants@pa.gov.

Pre-application meeting strongly encouraged; include engineering plans and full documentation.