Federal grant program helps California maintain boating infrastructure

EUREKA — Several boating projects in California benefit from a federal grant program aimed at funding vital infrastructure improvements, according to a presentation at the most recent Division of Boating and Waterways Commission meeting in Eureka. Lisa Fernandes, a project manager with the Division of Boating and Waterways, or DBW, spoke with commissioners about some of the most recent California projects funded by the Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program. A waterfront redevelopment project at the planned L.A. Waterfront in San Pedro is receiving some federal funds for a dock. The dock would likely allow boaters to access the San Pedro Public Market, which is a signature feature of the proposed L.A. Waterfront redevelopment. Also benefitting from the Boating Infrastructure Grant program is a pumpout station in Avalon. Federal officials specifically seek projects adding tie-ups, bringing in new boater amenities, offering additional security measures, promoting safe harbor initiatives and fostering dredging activities for potential Boating Infrastructure Grant funding, according to Fernandes. Tie-up projects include slips, piers, moorings, buoys, day-use docks and gangways, while amenities targeted under BIG funding are inclusive of fuel stations, restrooms, showers, utilities and laundry. Funding for security projects would help pay for lighting, communications buoys, markers, buoys and signs. The grant could also be...