At the American Boating Congress this month in Washington, D.C., U.S. Fish and Wildlife Deputy Director Steve Guertin announced the allotment of $16 million in funding to 27 states under the Clean Vessel Act (CVA) grant program.

The CVA provides grant money for the construction, replacement, renovation and maintenance of facilities that assist recreational boaters in properly disposing of on-board septic waste. Information and education about the benefits of pumpout systems are also part of the program.

“Systems built through these funds ensure that clean drinking water, sustainable ecosystems and healthy recreational areas will be accessible to the American public and wildlife,” Guertin said.

The service has awarded more than $246 million to states since grants were first distributed in 1993. States apply for CVA funding and they or their partners provide matching funds to complete projects.

In addition to traditional on-dock pumpouts, projects include pumpout boats that travel within designated harbors to make the sewage collection process more efficient and convenient. Some states also install floating restrooms in areas where boaters congregate but no restrooms are available.

Source: National Marine Manufacturers Association (NMMA)