The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service recently announced $11.4 million in grants to 29 states under the Clean Vessel Act (CVA) grant program. The CVA program provides funds to states to construct, replace, renovate and maintain facilities that assist recreational boaters in properly disposing of on-board septic waste. The program also provides information and education on the availability of pumpouts. Funds for the CVA program are provided by the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund (SFRBTF). Funding for the SFRBTF comes from taxes on fishing tackle, motorboat fuel, imported boats and small engines.

On June 29, Congress passed the Conference Report on H.R. 4348, including a reauthorization for the SFRBTF. President Obama signed the bill. The SFRBTF provides funding for fisheries conservation in the U.S., and is a critical funding pool for state and national recreational fishing and boating programs.