Boston Harbor Water Transportation Fund Grant

The MassDEP Chapter 91 Waterways Program seeks grant proposals from governmental, quasi-governmental or non-profit entities for projects that support or expand water transportation to, from, or within certain sites in Boston Harbor.

This grant opportunity is funded by the Boston Harbor Water Transportation Expendable Trust, which in turn is funded by contributions from licensees under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 91. Chapter 91 protects and promotes the public’s use of Commonwealth tidelands and other waterways. The purpose of this grant is to enhance and promote water transportation on Boston Harbor as a way to balance private uses of tidelands along the Harbor with the rights of the public to access and use those areas.

Summary of Grant Opportunity

The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (“MassDEP” or the “Department”) seeks grant proposals from governmental, quasi-governmental or non-profit entities for projects that support or expand water transportation to, from, or within certain sites in Boston Harbor. This grant opportunity is funded by the Boston Harbor Water Transportation Expendable Trust, which in turn is funded by contributions from licensees under Massachusetts General Laws Chapter 91. Chapter 91 protects and promotes the public’s use of Commonwealth tidelands and other waterways. The purpose of this grant is to enhance and promote water transportation on Boston Harbor as a way to balance private uses of tidelands along the Harbor with the rights of the public to access and use those areas. The total combined funding available through this grant opportunity is approximately $2,500,000. However, as explained below in the Eligible Projects section, most of the funding is site-specific and, thus, the amount available will vary by location. 

Eligible Entities and Projects

Any governmental, quasi-governmental or non-profit entities are eligible to apply.

Eligible projects must enhance access to the Boston Harbor waterfront by supporting, promoting or enhancing water transportation within Boston Harbor. The majority of funding for this grant is tied to site-specific Chapter 91 licensees. Projects receiving funding through this grant program must specifically support or expand water transportation at one or more of the following sites:  

• Seaport – Fan Pier
• Seaport – Pier 4
• 226 Causeway Street (Lovejoy Wharf)  
• Charlestown Navy Yard – Harborview Condominiums 

An eligible project may support water transportation at locations other than the licensed site from which it receives grant funding, so long as the eligible project supports, at a minimum, water transportation at the site that is the source of funding.  

A small portion of the funding available through this grant opportunity is dedicated to supporting cultural or educational activities utilizing water transportation on Boston Harbor and is not tied to a specific site.  

• Eligible projects could include, but are not limited to, the following:  
• New or expanded ferry service that enhances access to water transportation on Boston Harbor;  
• Provision of discounted tickets for water transportation services;  
• Provision of discounted berthing for public water transit operators;
• New or improved signage informing the public of the availability of water transportation.
• Purchase of water transportation vessels or other related equipment;
• Maintenance, improvement or construction of dock infrastructure.

Both existing and proposed projects are eligible for this grant program. Award expenditure must be made by December 31, 2026.  

Grant Process and Application

Public Information Session

The virtual public information session held on October 16, 2024 was recorded. It is available to view on MassDEP's YouTube channel.

The Boston Harbor Water Transportation Grant Opportunity document, including an application cover sheet and guidelines for applying, and calendar was posted on October 21, 2024. Grant applications are due by 5pm on December 13, 2024. 

Applicants may send questions or other requests to [e-mail]. Additionally, they will be able to submit questions via COMMBUYS when the application is posted. All questions and answers will be vetted internally and compiled into a PDF document that will be posted electronically. The document will be updated periodically. 

Reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities are available upon request. To submit a request for an accommodation please email [e-mail] or call 617-872-7730, an ADA Coordinator will receive your request. Please include a description of the request in as much detail as possible and a way we can contact you if we need more information. Please allow at least two weeks (14 days) advance notice. Last minute requests will be accepted but we may be unable to fulfill the request.

Evaluation Criteria

This is a competitive grant. The evaluation criteria for MassDEP’s review and scoring of proposals will be specified in the Boston Harbor Water Transportation Grant Opportunity document. Among other evaluation criteria, MassDEP seeks to prioritize the direction of these resources to benefit communities defined as Environmental Justice (EJ) populations and to address environmental inequities. Information on which communities are classified as EJ populations can be found on MassDEP's EJ webpage.

Funding Availability

The total combined funding available through this grant opportunity is approximately $2,500,000. However, most of the funding is site-specific and, thus, the amount available varies depending on the site. The Boston Harbor Water Transportation Grant Opportunity document will have more detailed information about site-specific funding availability. MassDEP reserves the right to award less than the full funding available for this grant opportunity.  

Match and Other Funding Obligations

While applicants are not required to provide matching funds or an in-kind match, a match is strongly preferred. Applicants are encouraged to identify other known sources of funding for a proposed project on the cover sheet, from both secured and anticipated sources. Grant awards will be disbursed on a reimbursement basis, meaning grantees will be reimbursed for funds already expended, unless a grant awardee can demonstrate with sufficient financial documentation that it would be unable to implement its proposed project on a reimbursement basis. To receive reimbursement for funds expended, grantees must submit a written request for payment, along with any other required documentation. Partnership with eligible entities may be permitted.