Accepting Boating Facility Grant Applications, Jan. 30

Grant applications are being accepted beginning February 1, through February 28, 2020, for the 2019-2021 Cycle Two Boating Facilities funding from the Marine Board. Grants are available to public bodies such as cities, counties, and state and federal agencies that own and operate boating access facilities, used by recreational boaters, who are seeking financial assistance to improve access to Oregon’s waterways. The Marine Board awards more than $5 million biennially for boating facility improvements. Since 2001, the agency has awarded $44 million in facility grants throughout Oregon. These grants are funded from motorboat title and registration fees and marine fuel tax revenue. Boating facility grant applications are awarded three times during a two-year biennium based on available funding. The Cycle Two funding allocates 20% of the available boating facilities resources and focuses on projects that can be completed within 18 months remaining in the biennium. This includes property acquisition, construction within the in-water windows, and permitting for replacing boat ramps, boarding docks, repaving or redesigning parking lots or sanitation renovations. The Marine Board’s Boating Facility staff provide technical assistance to grant applicants through every step of the project concept, design/engineering, permitting, surveying, and inspections of any given project, often times saving time and money for the facility provider. Cycle Two grants are intended for multi-faceted boating facility improvements with a medium to a high level of complexity.
Cycle Three allocates 10% of the available funding to factor in previously-awarded grants with unexpected cost increases, or emergency situations. This funding cycle is dependent upon the successful completion of other projects and available revenue. Prospective applicants are encouraged to download an application and review resources online, including the Boating Facilities Grant Procedure Guide. Visit http://bit.ly/2SlJURJ for more information.