The Massachusetts Boating Infrastructure Grant (MA-BIG) Program funds new or upgraded boater facilities. Funds can only be used on facilities for transient recreational boats 26 feet or longer.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's (USFWS) Sport Fish Restoration Program provides funding. There are two tiers of funding available.
Tier I Funding
Tier I funding is for smaller projects that enhance transient boater facilities. Past projects added moorings, navigational buoys, and bathrooms for visiting boaters. Federal funding allows each state up to $200,000 to fund Tier I projects each fiscal year. MA-BIG is a match-reimbursement program where each applicant must provide at least 25 percent of total project funds, up to the amount awarded by USFWS.
Additional Resources
Tier II Funding
Tier II funding is for larger projects that create new boater facilities or grow existing facilities. Tier II proposals are in-depth and compete for funding against other states. We recommend the applicant contribute more than 25 percent of matching funds. The National Review Panel scores and ranks these projects. The USFWS awards funds that create the greatest benefit to owners of large recreational boats.
Additional Resources
More Info
All applications, whether Tier I or Tier II, must meet strict federal and state program criteria.
All projects are subject to standard federal, state and/or local permitting processes.
Applications are due by August 1st for availability the following year. All funds are based on Federal availability.
For questions contact Cecil French at (617) 727-3336 x 119 or cecil.french@mass.gov.