Boat Access Area Development Program
The BAAD Program funds local government projects to acquire, construct, or improve public boat and canoe access facilities on Illinois' navigable lakes and rivers.
Funder: Illinois Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2026 | May 2027
Funding Amounts: Up to $200,000 per project for motorized boat access; up to $80,000 for non-motorized/canoe launches; approx. $1,000,000 total available annually.
Summary: Supports local government projects to acquire, construct, or improve public boat and canoe access areas on navigable public waters in Illinois.
Key Information: Applications must be submitted via AmpliFund; GATA registration required before applying.
Description
The Boat Access Area Development (BAAD) Program provides competitive grants to Illinois local government agencies for the acquisition, construction, expansion, or rehabilitation of public boat and canoe access areas on navigable lakes and rivers. Eligible projects include land acquisition for water frontage, construction or renovation of launching ramps, courtesy docks, restrooms, security lighting, parking areas, access roads, walkways, and other boating-related facilities. The program is administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR) and is funded through marine motor fuel taxes and boat registration fees. Grants can cover up to 100% of construction costs and up to 90% of land acquisition costs.
