More than $14 Million Awarded in Clean Vessel Act Grants
To help support clean waters and recreational boating, over $14 million in funding has been provided to several U.S. states under the Clean Vessel Act (CVA) grant program.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has announced that more than $14.7 million will be awarded to 23 states under the CVA grant program in 2013. The program supports the user-pay, public-benefit cycle that has led to the successes of the Sport Fish Restoration programs. States apply for CVA funding and they or their partners provide matching funds to complete projects. Sub-grantees often include local municipalities and private marinas.
“Clean Vessel Act grants are essential to ensure clean water and healthy environments that allow for recreational boating opportunities,” said Service Director Dan Ashe. “The CVA program has a substantial economic impact on local communities, which is a win-win situation for conservation initiatives and businesses across America.”
In addition to traditional on-dock pump outs, projects include pump-out boats that travel in designated harbors to make the sewage collection process more efficient and convenient. Some states also install floating restrooms in areas where boaters congregate and no restrooms are available.
"The Clean Vessel Act is a critical tool in helping the states to maintain clean and healthy waters for people and wildlife alike," said Assistant Director Hannibal Bolton of the Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program. "The pump outs built through these funds ensure clean drinking water, sustainable ecosystems, and healthy recreational areas will be accessible to the American people."