SACRAMENTO — Marina operators across California have an opportunity to secure significant funding for infrastructure upgrades, as the California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) announced it is now accepting Letters of Intent (LOI) for the Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program. The federal grant, which can cover up to 75% of total project costs, offers a maximum award of $1.5 million per project.
The program, funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) through the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Trust Fund, is open to both public and private marina owners. BIG is designed to support the construction or renovation of facilities that serve recreational boaters operating vessels 26 feet or longer, particularly those staying fewer than 15 days.
Eligible projects may include improvements such as visitor docks, dockside utility hookups, gangways, and restrooms — all aimed at enhancing access for transient boaters. Beyond improving marina infrastructure, the program supports broader goals including promoting public access to shorelines, encouraging waterfront economic development, and fostering public-private partnerships.
LOIs will be accepted from May 23 through June 13, 2025. Once submitted, DBW will review the initial applications and invite selected applicants to submit full proposals. “This is a competitive program,” DBW emphasized in its announcement, “so applicants should first review the program guidelines to ensure they meet the requirements.”
Grants are awarded based on several criteria, including public need, cost efficiency, matching funds, and project innovation. Once DBW evaluates California-based proposals, it forwards top candidates to USFWS for consideration alongside submissions from other states and U.S. territories. If selected for funding, DBW will oversee the project from start to finish to ensure federal compliance.
Recent BIG-funded projects include the San Pedro Public Market Dock and the Etenesh Zeleke Public Dock in West Sacramento — both examples of successful infrastructure improvements that support recreational boating access.
For more information or to determine eligibility, marina operators can contact Ethan Tratner at [email protected] or (916) 902-8823.
