MI Boating Infrastructure Grants

The MI Boating Infrastructure Grants, administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources, provide essential funding for constructing public recreational harbor facilities that serve transient boaters. This initiative aims to enhance community health and safety by developing dockage for boats over 26 feet, improving navigational aids, and promoting public access to waterways. Local governments, universities, and private entities are eligible to apply, with grants covering 75% of project costs to ensure vibrant and accessible recreational opportunities.

Michigan Department of Natural Resources
We administer grants that make communities healthier, safer and more vibrant. These grants enable our local partners to promote the lifestyles we all enjoy by providing recreational opportunities, enhancing wildlife habitat and ensuring public safety.
Provides federal funding assistance for the design and construction of public recreational harbor facilities serving transient boaters. Local units of government, public universities and private facilities are eligible to apply.
Program Objectives:

• To provide construction of recreational boating facilities in the state that meet the  following goals:
• Create dockage for transient recreational boats 26 feet or larger in order to provide
• access to recreational opportunities and safe harbors; Provide navigational aids for transient boaters using these facilities;
• Enhance access to recreational, historic, cultural, natural, and scenic resources;
• Strengthen local ties to the boating community and its economic benefits;
• Promote public/private partnerships and entrepreneurial opportunities;
• Provide continuity of public access to the water, and;
• Promote awareness of transient boating opportunities.
• Criteria:
• All facilities constructed under this program must be:
• Designed to accommodate boats 26 feet or greater in length;
• Used by transient boaters (boaters not at their home port and staying not more than
• 15 consecutive days); Open to the public;
• No commercial uses or seasonal slips allowed;
• Designed and constructed to last at least 20 years;
• Continue to be used for their original stated grant purpose; and
• Maintained throughout their useful life.
• On-site investigation by DNR staff may be required to determine suitability of proposed work; applicant may be required to document area boating demand.

Grant funding covers 75% of the total approved project costs for construction of infrastructure improvement projects started after formal award of the Boating Infrastructure funding. The remaining cost-share funds must come from applicants based on non-federal sources.

Eligibility

Eligibility:

• Local units of government (city, village, township or county)public universitiesprivate
• facilities Matching Fund25% of the estimated project cost

Ineligibility

Activities that are not allowed under the program include:

• Routine custodial and/or janitorial maintenance activities (those that occur regularly on

an annual or more frequent basis).Construction of slips for long-term rental (more than 15 days).Construction or maintenance of facilities designed for trailerable boats.Maintenance or dredging.Dry land storage or haul out facilities.Activities or construction that does not provide public benefit.