Do you need more capacity for transient boaters?
by BoatUS 15 Nov 2024 09:27 PST
This marina in Alabama used BIG funds in 2022 to renovate an existing 460-foot transient dock by adding new dockside power pedestals, providing water service, and replacing worn decking and flotation © Alabama Department of Environmental Management
Boaters exploring by water need safe dockage that allows easy shoreside access, but it's not always available. If your municipality or marina isn't meeting the needs of transient boaters, the Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program could provide matching funds for public and private projects that construct, renovate or maintain safe dockage for larger transient recreational boats - those over 26 feet in length and typically staying overnight. With the 2026 grant cycle funding to be announced in June 2025, now is the time to start working on a winning BIG application.
Initiated by BoatUS more than two decades ago, BIG is administered today by the U.S Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) and state agencies, who serve as a pipeline for all incoming applications.
"The sole purpose of the BIG program is to provide the safe, overnight dockage that visiting boaters need," said BoatUS vice president of Public Affairs Scott Croft. "BIG not only opens greater opportunities to recreate on the water, but helps communities unlock access to vital services and amenities."
Boaters and manufacturers fund the program through excise taxes and duties on boating fuels and certain fishing and boating equipment, directed to the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund administered by USFWS. Since its inception in 2000, BIG has provided $300 million for safe harbor facilities including infrastructure such as piers, breakwaters, floating docks, bulkheads, mooring buoys, day docks, dinghy docks, slips, bathrooms, showers, laundries, recycling stations, fuel docks, utilities, navigation aids, limited dredging and other services.
The BIG program has two tiers to fund both small and large projects. Tier 1 provides maximum federal funding of $300,000 per state annually on an as-needed basis. Tier 2 funding is nationally competitive and is typically for larger-scale projects with a maximum federal funding match of $1.5 million. For both tiers, at least 25% matching funds are required.
Municipalities, marinas and boat clubs can check with their state's BIG administrator - often a boating, wildlife, other agency - on how to apply for 2026 grant cycle. Additional help may be available by contacting your state’s boating law administrator. Some state BIG information may be also found online.