Boating Access Grant Program
Boating Access Grant Program supports public agencies, Tribes, and nonprofits in improving boating facilities and outreach to expand affordable, inclusive recreational access to California’s waterways.
Funder: California Department of Fish and Wildlife
Due Dates: November 5, 2026, at 4:00 p.m. Pacific Time (Full application) | October 21, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. (Optional workshop)
Funding Amounts: Approximately $3 million available; no minimum or maximum request; projects must finish by April 1, 2031
Summary: Supports facilities, amenities, and activities that expand inclusive public access to recreational boating on California’s waterways.
Key Information: Applicants must contribute at least 25% of project costs from nonfederal sources; federal agencies are ineligible.
Description
The California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) administers this program using federal Sport Fish Restoration funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The 2027–2028 solicitation supports projects that create or improve public access to California’s waters for recreational boating. Priorities include Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) compliance, affordable access, and reduced barriers for disadvantaged communities.
Supported work ranges from planning, permitting, and design to construction, operation, and maintenance of boating access facilities. Eligible amenities include ramps, docks, parking, restrooms, paddlecraft launching and landing sites, pump-out facilities, fueling docks, and potable water. The program also supports boating access outreach, aquatic invasive species education and inspection, access-related vegetation management, and program administration and coordination. Improvements must serve public access rather than private businesses or restricted-use areas.
