Program Objective(s):

To provide construction of recreational boating facilities in the state that meet the following goals: 

Create dockage for transient recreational boats 26 feet or larger in order to provide access to recreational opportunities and safe harbors.  Provide navigational aids for transient boaters using these facilities.  Enhance access to recreational, historic, cultural, natural, and scenic resources. Strengthen local ties to the boating community and its economic benefits.  Promote public/private partnerships and entrepreneurial opportunities.  Provide continuity of public access to the water, and promote awareness of transient boating opportunities.

For Boating Infrastructure Grant Program Application and more information, select the following link:

Boating Infrastructure Grant Program Application

Criteria:

All facilities constructed under this program must be:

• Designed to accommodate boats 26 feet or greater in length
• Used by transient boaters (boaters not at their home port and staying not more than 10 consecutive days
• Open to the public
• Designed and constructed to last at least 20 years
• Continue to be used for their original stated grant purpose 
• Maintained throughout their useful life

On-site investigation by Parks and Recreation Division staff may be required to determine suitability of proposed work, applicant may be required to document area boating demand. 

Eligibility:

Local units of government (city, village, township or county), public universities, and private facilities.  

Application Process:

1. Submit Boating Infrastructure Grant Program Application form to Department of Natural Resources, Parks and Recreation Division (PRD).
2. Technical review of applications will be conducted by PRD staff. After May 15, grant applications are potentially recommended to proceed with a proposal to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Deadline(s):

Applications must be received by the Department of Natural Resources by May 15.

Timeline(s):

The Boating Infrastructure Grant Program Application initial review and funding process for projects is from May 15 until the federal government appropriates funding for projects. If the potential project application is approved to proceed, the community will then be asked to develop and complete a proposal with associated federal forms with the goal of submitting to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by October 31.  If the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service approves the project proposal, the community will then be asked to submit a full package of required documents.  A community can proceed with project preliminary engineering after a full proposal is approved and Boating Infrastructure Funds awarded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.

Dollar Amount(s) Available:

Grant funding covers 75% of the total approved project costs for construction of infrastructure improvement projects started after formal award of the Boating Infrastructure funding. The remaining cost-share funds must come from applicants based on non-federal sources.  

Source(s) of Funds:

Sport Fish Restoration Account (Federal Funds)

Authority:

Annual appropriation from the Sport Fish Restoration Account of the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund pursuant to the Sport Fishing and Boating Safety Act.

Contact(s):

Parks and Recreation Division - 517-373-9900

Harbors/Mooring - Paul Petersen - 517-335-3033, petersep@michigan.gov

Fiscal Year 2008 Appropriation:

Funds not determined at this time.