Funder: Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Due Dates (Anticipated): August 2027 (Annual application deadline, both tiers)
Funding Amounts: Tier I: up to $300,000 per state annually | Tier II: up to $1.5 million per award (FY 2025 limits) | Minimum 25% non-federal match
Summary: Supports new, expanded, renovated, and maintained Massachusetts boating facilities serving transient recreational vessels at least 26 feet long.
Key Information: Facilities may be publicly or privately owned but must provide public access for eligible boaters.
Description
The Massachusetts Boating Infrastructure Grant (MA-BIG) Program supports facilities for visiting recreational boaters through the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs and Division of Marine Fisheries. Funding comes from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Sport Fish Restoration Program. Projects must serve recreational vessels at least 26 feet long, staying no more than 15 consecutive days.
Tier I supports smaller improvements, such as moorings, navigational buoys, and bathrooms. Tier II supports larger new facilities and expansions through a national competition. Eligible work includes docking infrastructure, boater amenities, safe-harbor improvements, necessary dredging, and construction-related planning and studies. The program aims to improve access to recreational, cultural, historic, scenic, and natural destinations while providing safe facilities for large cruising boats.
