Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program
The Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program supports Wisconsin boating facilities, funding tie-ups and related improvements so large recreational vessels making short stops can access public facilities.
Funder: Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates: June 1, 2027 (Annual application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Tier 1: up to $300,000 per year to Wisconsin | Tier 2: up to $1,500,000 per project | Minimum 25% match
Summary: Supports facilities and related improvements for recreational vessels at least 26 feet long making short-term stops in Wisconsin.
Key Information: Funded facilities must remain publicly accessible to eligible transient boaters throughout their useful life.
Description
The Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program funds construction, renovation and maintenance of tie-up facilities for recreational vessels at least 26 feet long that stay 15 days or less. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) administers the program as a subaward of U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service funding. Projects must be in Wisconsin and provide demonstrable public benefits.
Eligible work includes slips, piers, docks, mooring buoys, fuel stations, restrooms, utilities, navigation aids and security features. Planning and engineering, necessary dredging, waste facilities and information specific to BIG-funded projects may also be supported. Tier 1 projects are ranked within Wisconsin; Tier 2 projects compete nationally.
