Boating Access Grants
Forecasted
Boating Access Grants support Texas local governments in planning, building, and renovating public boat ramps and related facilities to improve recreational boating access to public waters.
Funder: Texas Parks & Wildlife Department
Due Dates (Anticipated): October 2026 (Annual application) | February 2027 (Planning Grant)
Funding Amounts: 75% matching grants; up to $250,000 for Phase I planning
Summary: Supports Texas local governments in planning, building, and renovating public boat ramps and related facilities for recreational access to public waters.
Key Information: Local sponsors must provide the land and access, cover 25% of costs, and operate and maintain facilities for at least 25 years.
Description
The Texas Parks & Wildlife Department’s Boating Access Grant Program helps local governments create and maintain public recreational boating access across Texas. It supports planning and construction of new public boat ramps and renovation of existing ramps, using funding from the Federal Aid in Sport Fish Restoration Act.
Planning assistance covers plans and specifications, environmental and cultural permits, and professional services needed before construction. Eligible construction work includes ramps, boat lifts, docks, breakwaters, restrooms, parking areas, direct access roads, protective retaining walls, and permanent signs. Dredging, stump removal, and aquatic weed control may be supported when part of an overall project. The program also funds fish cleaning stations and boat-accessible camping facilities that motorboats can reach.
