Water Recreation Access Cost Share Program
Forecasted
Water Recreation Access Cost Share Program supports Iowa political subdivisions in acquiring land and building or improving boating access facilities to expand public access to Iowa’s lakes and streams.
Funder: Iowa Department of Natural Resources
Due Dates (Anticipated): September 2027 (Application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Normally 75% state / 25% local cost share; 100% funding in specified circumstances; projects generally completed within two years
Summary: Supports Iowa political subdivisions in acquiring, constructing, or improving public recreational boating access to Iowa waters.
Key Information: Applicants must obtain grant approval before incurring project costs, except land acquisitions with an approved waiver.
Description
The Iowa Department of Natural Resources administers the Water Recreation Access Cost-Share Program (WRAC) to improve public recreational boating access to Iowa’s lakes and streams. It supports boat ramps, loading and off-loading docks, canoe and small-boat access sites, and related facilities that help the public reach and use boating waters. Land acquisition for recreational boating access is also eligible.
Supported development can include public boat storage, boater parking, access roads, restrooms serving boaters, localized dredging, shoreline protection, signs, fencing, lighting, and necessary support facilities. Survey and engineering services may qualify. Certain public-lake restoration studies and measures are eligible when they meet the program’s restoration-priority requirements. Funding comes from Iowa’s marine fuel tax appropriation.
