SACRAMENTO — California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is offering public agencies two new opportunities to apply for grant funding aimed at improving recreational boating access. The grants can be used to design, engineer, permit, and construct enhancements to existing public boat launch facilities or to create new ones.
One grant, part of the Waterway Connections Initiative (WCI), offers approximately $6 million in one-time funding to improve inland waterway access for communities with populations over 2,500 located near rivers or other inland waterways. These funds can be used to enhance both motorized and non-motorized boating access, and public agencies are encouraged to submit applications by 5 p.m. on Dec. 2, 2024.
For public agencies with facilities in coastal or non-WCI eligible areas, the DBW is also accepting applications for its Boat Launching Facility (Motorized) and Non-Motorized Boat Launching Facility grants, as well as Ramp Repair and Modification grants. Applications for these grants are due by 5 p.m. on Feb. 3, 2025.
Eligible projects for both grant opportunities include a wide range of facility improvements, such as boat launch ramps, slope protection, gangways, boarding floats, parking, restrooms, fish cleaning stations, boat wash stations, ADA-compliant access, and lighting.
Interested agencies are advised to review the application ranking criteria on DBW’s website to ensure their projects meet eligibility requirements. All applications must be submitted through DBW’s online grant system.
Since 1988, DBW has awarded approximately $254 million from the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund to enhance recreational boating facilities throughout California, supporting both coastal and inland waterway access across the state.
