Clean Vessel Act
The Massachusetts Clean Vessel Act Program funds the purchase and maintenance of pumpout equipment to prevent boat sewage discharge and protect coastal water quality.
Funder: Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Due Dates: August 1, 2026 (Application deadline) | July 30, 2026 (Reimbursement forms deadline) | February 28, 2027 (Invoice/submittal deadline)
Funding Amounts: 75% reimbursement of eligible pumpout-related expenses; applicants must provide a 25% match.
Summary: Supports towns, cities, and private marinas along the Massachusetts coast in providing and maintaining free pumpout services for recreational boaters.
Key Information: Applications are due annually by August 1 for funding the following year; reimbursement forms and supporting documentation required.
Description
The Massachusetts Clean Vessel Act (MA-CVA) Program provides financial support to towns, cities, and private marinas to establish and maintain free pumpout services for recreational boaters along the Massachusetts coast. The program aims to prevent the discharge of boat sewage into coastal waters—classified as No Discharge Zones—by funding the purchase, replacement, or maintenance of pumpout equipment and boats. The MA-CVA program is funded by federal grants via the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service's Sportfish Restoration Program and requires a cost-sharing arrangement.
