The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is distributing more than $2.3 million in Clean Vessel Act grants to improve water quality and increase opportunities for fishing and safe swimming in the waterways of California and Nevada. By helping recreational boaters properly dispose of sewage, this year’s grants will improve conditions for local communities, wildlife and recreational boaters.
Since the inception of CVA in 1993, these grants have allocated more than $359 million to support partner agencies in their efforts to keep waterways clean by ensuring recreational boaters have a safe, convenient and effective way to dispose of on-board sewage. CVA grant funds are administered annually through the Service’s Office of Conservation Investment in support of state, commonwealth, territory and District of Columbia agency efforts.
“Along with supporting the construction and maintenance of essential facilities for boaters, CVA funds play a critical role in fostering clean and safe waterways that support recreation and conservation,” said Service Director Martha Williams. “The Service is pleased to support our partner agencies and the boating community in their efforts to keep our nation’s waterways healthy, safe and accessible for people and wildlife.”
In FY 2024, 18 states and Guam will receive a total of $14.6 million in federal funding support for 25 grant projects that support the construction, renovation, operation and maintenance of pump-out stations and waste reception facilities for recreational boaters. Partner agencies will also provide more than $4.7 million in non-federal matching funds.
In Nevada, the Nevada Department of Wildlife will receive $288,705 in CVA funds to maintain existing boat sewage pumping infrastructure and will purchase new boat pumps at Cottonwood Cove Marina in Lake Mohave. They will also maintain pumpout infrastructure at Callville Bay Marina in Lake Mead.
In California, the California Department of Parks and Recreation, Division of Boating and Waterways will receive a total of $2,081,900 in CVA funds to reduce vessel sewage pollution from overboard discharges into the waters of California through the installation of seven new or replacement pumpouts. They will also provide operation and maintenance funding for equipment in coastal waters. They plan to install, in inland waters, five new or replacement ADA-compliant floating restrooms, replace one pumpout, install one new dump station and operate and maintain existing floating restrooms, dump stations and pumpout stations. They will use CVA funds to continue their outreach and education efforts in coastal and inland waters.
Funds for the program are generated through the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund and are derived annually from excise taxes on fishing equipment, motorboat and small engine fuels, and import duties and interest on the fund. State agencies that receive CVA funds also provide at least 25% of the grant project’s costs. These partnership efforts are a win-win for clean water and the many people who enjoy recreational boating and the great outdoors.
Find more information about the CVA program.
