Boat Launching Facilities Grant
Boat Launching Facilities Grant supports public agencies developing and improving boat launches, repairing facilities, and adding signs to provide safe, convenient recreational access to California waterways.
Funder: California Department of Parks and Recreation
Due Dates: February 1, 2027, at 12 p.m. (2027/2028 application cut-off) | Year-round (Applications accepted)
Funding Amounts: Typical awards: motorized facilities $300,000–$6,000,000; non-motorized facilities $100,000–$1,000,000; ramp repairs $10,000–$750,000; signs $1,000–$7,000
Summary: Supports public agencies in developing and improving public recreational boat launching facilities on California waterways.
Key Information: Public agencies must own or lease the project property for at least 20 years after construction completion.
Description
The California Department of Parks and Recreation’s Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) supports public recreational boating access through grants for new and improved launching facilities. Funding can cover design, engineering, permitting, construction, and inspection for facilities serving motorized and non-motorized vessels. Supported infrastructure includes launching ramps, boarding floats, parking, restrooms, accessibility improvements, lighting, and related boating facilities.
The program aims to provide safe, convenient public access to California’s waterways and promote enjoyable, environmentally sound recreational boating. Alongside motorized and non-motorized facility development, DBW offers ramp repair and modification funding to restore access at previously funded facilities, and sign grants for previously funded projects. Awards are competitive, depend on available funding, and require approval through the State budget process.
