Boating Infrastructure Grant Program

The Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program is administered in Pennsylvania by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) in partnership with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS). Established through the Sportfishing and Boating Safety Act of 1998 and codified in 50 CFR Part 86, the program is designed to support infrastructure for transient recreational motorboats 26 feet and longer. These grants are funded through excise taxes on motorboat fuel and are intended to enhance public boating access by supporting facilities that can accommodate large, non-trailerable vessels. Transient use is defined as stays of 15 days or less. In Pennsylvania, the PFBC manages this federal grant program and oversees application intake, evaluation, and award administration. The grant offers two funding tiers: Tier 1, providing up to $300,000 per state annually for smaller-scale projects, and Tier 2, a nationally competitive program with awards up to $1.5 million for larger-scale efforts. Eligible projects include the design, construction, renovation, and maintenance of transient tie-up facilities such as transient slips, day docks, floating docks, fixed piers, navigational aids, and utilities like electric, water, and sewage pump-out stations. Dredging may also be funded to accommodate safe access but is capped at $200,000 in federal funding. Additionally, pre-award costs such as feasibility studies, engineering plans, and environmental reviews may be eligible for reimbursement if explicitly approved. Applicants must contribute a non-federal match of at least 25% of total project costs. This match can include cash, in-kind services like labor and materials, or support from other non-federal grants. The program is strictly reimbursement-based—no funds are disbursed upfront. Awardees are responsible for maintaining the facility for a minimum of 20 years and must meet all state and federal compliance requirements, including environmental regulations under NEPA, ESA, NHPA, and CZMA. Facilities must also ensure public accessibility and install navigational aids to ensure safe vessel passage. Eligible applicants include municipal agencies, state agencies, and other government entities that operate open-to-the-public boating facilities. Facilities must be located on navigable public waters with sufficient depth for non-trailerable vessels. Applications must include a governing resolution, evidence of land ownership or access rights, budget estimates, and documentation supporting project readiness and environmental compliance. Projects that serve non-transient vessels must prorate their costs to ensure only eligible expenses are reimbursed. Applications are due to the PFBC by July 31 of each year. The agency encourages early submission of draft applications to allow time for review before final submittal to the USFWS. Successful applicants are notified early the following year, with grant periods generally lasting three years. Upon completion, applicants must schedule a final inspection with PFBC, after which reimbursement may be issued. Program contact details include the Statewide Public Access Manager at PFBC, reachable by phone at 717-346-8196 or by email at ra-boatgrants@pa.gov. Mailing address: Boating Infrastructure Grant Program, PO Box 67000, Harrisburg, PA 17106-7000.

Submit early drafts for review. Confirm match and address environmental requirements.