Members of the recreational boating community now have in-depth guidance to apply for multiple community grants aimed at improving and constructing access points to the water throughout the territory, Commissioner Jean-Pierre L. Oriol of the Department of Planning and Natural Resources announced.
The new project proposal manual and application packet offered by the Division of Fish & Wildlife will allow prospective program applications to learn about eligibility and requirements for application to the Boating Access, Boating Infrastructure, and Clean Vessel Act Programs, three programs available to the States and Territories to offer to the public, according to the press release.
“From recreational boaters to charter operators, and non-profits to marinas, DPNR is invested in assisting all community-led initiations to improve recreational boating access facilities. This new easy-to-read guide leads Virgin Islanders through the application process,” Oriol said. “It is our hope that this guide will help the recreational boating community take advantage of the opportunities available for funding these important projects.”
The 30-page manual offers step-by-step insight on funding available across the Small Boating Access, Boating Infrastructure, and Clean Vessel Act programs for activities ranging from construction and renovation of boating infrastructure; completion of engineering designs, permits and permitting; pump-out facilities; navigational aids; and outreach materials. The manual includes timelines for consideration, eligibility requirements, and ranking criteria in a user-friendly format, accompanied by an 11-page application to standardize the information provided by applications interested in any of the available boating access grants, the press release stated.
This program is funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Sport Fish Restoration Program by collections from excise taxes on gasoline, boats, and fishing tackle. To access the manual, visit the website at dpnr.vi.gov/fish-and-wildlife or contact the Division of Fish and Wildlife at DFWelectronic@usvi.
