Boat Pumpout Money Available for Marinas, Boat Clubs, Nonprofits

ALEXANDRIA, Virginia — Marinas, boat clubs or fuel docks with a working pumpout provide a vital service to recreational boaters. Installing a pump, however, and the annual costs to maintain one, can be high. That’s where a program funded by the taxes and fees paid by boaters can help.

This fall, the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service’s Clean Vessel Act program aims to give out about $12 million for the construction, renovation, operation and maintenance of public boat pumpouts. The deadline to apply for the 2017 grant cycle, however, will soon draw to a close. BoatUS urges anyone interested to apply now by contacting his or her state’s grant coordinator.

The nationally competitive, federal grant program, which is administered by individual states, pays up to 75 percent of the project costs and requires 25 percent matching funds. Some select states also contribute funds, which could essentially cover up to 100 percent of the costs. Any public or private boating facility or nonprofit organization is eligible to apply. In addition to paying for stationary locations on docks or shore, funds may pay for pumpout vessels, floating restrooms used by boaters, educational efforts on environmental pollution or other boat sewage-related measures.

Access a list of Individual Clean Vessel Act coordinators at the state level at bit.ly/2dLywcU.