Recreational boaters received good news lat week week when the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced more than $4.5 million in Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program competitive grants to the Midwest Region.
Four projects including three in Michigan and one in Ohio will take home 33% of the total BIG funding distributed this year. Nationwide, 10 states and the District of Columbia will receive a total of $14.27 million in BIG program competitive grants. In a smaller non-competitive grant dedicated to boating infrastructure projects, the Service will also provide over $2.4 million to 27 states, commonwealths and territories willing to match these funds.
“ Anglers and boaters make these grants possible, helping communities build and enhance facilities that provide recreational opportunities while supporting jobs and economic growth, ” said Fish and Wildlife Service Director Dan Ashe. “ These funds pay for floating docks, fixed piers, mooring buoys and other infrastructure that benefits fish and wildlife habitat while providing access for outdoor recreation.”
Projects in the Service’s Midwest Region receiving competitive grants are:
– Harbor Shores Transient Marina, Benton Harbor, Michigan;
– State Harbor Dock Renovation, East Tawas, Michigan;
– Bishop Park Transient Marina, Wyandotte, Michigan;
– Smale Riverfront Park Marina, Cincinnati, Ohio.
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Press Release, May 12, 2014