Boating Access Grant Program

The Boating Access Grant Program, managed by the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, aims to enhance recreational boating access across California's waterways. This program funds various projects, including the construction of access facilities, amenities for boaters, and educational outreach. Grants cover up to 75% of project costs, requiring at least 25% funding from non-Federal sources. Eligible projects include ADA-compliant facilities, launching areas for non-motorized boats, and maintenance of existing boating access.

CDFW's Boating Access Grant Program provides funding for projects that increase access to recreational boating opportunities across California's waterways. The Boating Access program provides funding for a broad range of access facilities and associated amenities that benefit recreational boaters.
Project activities eligible for Boating Access grant funds include:
Planning, permitting, and design for Boating Access Facilities.Construction of Boating Access Facilities.Amenities for Boaters, including compliance with Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), at Boating Access Facilities:This may include restrooms, wash-down stations, fish cleaning stations for boaters, ramps, courtesy or loading docks, maneuvering areas, parking areas, walkways, beaching areas for boats, picnic tables, garbage facilities for boaters, shade structures, lighting, signage, etc.Launching and landing facilities for paddle craft and non-motorized boats.Outreach to boaters about available boating access and amenities, including translation of outreach materials to languages.Aquatic Invasive Species Information and Education – including inspection (not enforcement) as long as the purpose is to enhance recreational boating.In some instances, vegetation management – If it’s all about keeping boaters accessing the water.Pump out facilities for vessels that have on-board sanitary holding tanks.Fueling docks for boaters.Potable water supplies for boaters.Dinghy docks.Operation and Maintenance of boating access facilities. Administration and Coordination of boating access programs (personnel, travel, training, planning, etc.)
Grantees may be reimbursed up to 75 percent of project costs through the grant program. At least 25 percent of the project costs must come from a non-Federal source.