Back in 1998 Congress enacted the Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program, in no small part due to the efforts of BoatU.S. lobbyist Michael G. Sciulla. The program uses federal gas tax money as paid by recreational boaters to fund transient boating facilities across the U.S.

In 2007, $12.5 million was allocated to build facilities and provide better access for transient non-trailerable boats 26 feet in length or longer. Since the inception of the program, $59 million has been granted to boating projects for boaters in 40 states. Among the projects were constructing new facilities, dredging out channels and installing up-to-date utilities

If you would like to suggest a location that could benefit from the BIG program, now is the time. BoatU.S. wants to hear your suggestions/recommendations on locations for your state. Be as detailed as possible as to the needs–mooring buoys, access piers, day docks, transient slips, etc. You should also provide as much information as possible about the proposed location. For instance, if your recommendation is for a pier or transient slip, specify the distance between your proposed location and the next nearest facility with a pier or transient slip. If you believe there will be an economic impact, include that information with your recommendation.

BoatU.S. plans to present these recommendations and suggestions to Congress and to state and federal boating officials involved in locating potential sites.

For further information on the BIG program, visit the BoatU.S. website.

- Linda Hoff