HARRISBURG, Pa. (September 5) – As a growing number
of communities realize the positive social and economic impacts of having
convenient boating access along their local waterways,
the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) is excited to
offer the next round of Boating Facility Grants to help
communities capitalize on the surge in new boating activity.
The Boating
Facility Grant program provides grants for planning, acquisition,
development, expansion, and rehabilitation of public boating facilities
located on the waters of the Commonwealth.
The PFBC encourages townships,
boroughs, and municipal and county governments to
apply. Nonprofit groups (501c3) including land trusts,
conservancies, and watershed associations are also eligible to
apply. Private businesses and service clubs are not eligible
for direct funding but are encouraged to partner with their
local county or municipality.
“Across Pennsylvania, momentum continues to grow around
outdoor recreation as a whole, and the enthusiasm we’re seeing for recreational
boating is incredible,” said Tim Schaeffer, PFBC Executive Director.
“Participation in paddlesports, especially kayaking, has surged, and
many communities are eager to accommodate families and individuals by adding or
improving safe and convenient public access to the water. Funds awarded
through this grant program can help communities develop projects, particularly
projects that are accessible for all, to improve existing access areas
or develop something new to serve local residents
and attract recreational boaters to their communities.”
Applicants can seek grants for site acquisition,
development, expansion, prevention of the spread of aquatic
invasive species, and rehabilitation of recreational boat access
facilities. Eligible construction projects may include, boat
ramps, courtesy floats, restrooms, access roads, parking areas and signs.
Funds may also be used to enhance the facility’s ADA compliance or by adding
adaptive elements to the access site.
Applicants are encouraged to keep accessibility for all in mind when
developing their applications.
Funding requests require a 50% match. For the 2025 round of grants, the
PFBC will accept applications from anywhere in the Commonwealth.
The deadline for applications is November 30, 2024.
For more information about the Boating Facility Grant
Program and application form, visit the PFBC website.
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Media Contact:
Mike Parker
Communications Director
Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission
(717) 585-3076
michparker@pa.gov