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April 7: Kaptur Announces Federal Award For Dock Improvements at Put-in-Bay

April 7, 2009


The project involves replacement or renovation of 905 feet of existing docks, contruction of 590 feet of new floating docks, installation of new lighting connections as well as electrical, water and fire protection improvements on all existing and proposed docks for transient boaters.

“This federal award, especially combined with the state funds, will provide even greater access to the boating community,” said Congresswoman Kaptur. “Put-in-Bay is truly one of the crown jewels. Its docks are basically the front door to the community and everything it has to offer.”

The competitive grant for Put-in-Bay was one of 14 announced nationally by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar. The grants are funded through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program.

Funding for the BIG program comes from the Sport Fishing and Boating Trust Fund, formerly known as the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund, which is supported by excise taxes on certain fishing and boating equipment and boat fuels.

Boating Infrastructure Grant funds are used to construct, renovate and maintain tie-up facilities with features for transient boats (those staying 10 days or less) that are 26 feet or more in length and cannot be transported by trailer. The funds are also used to produce and distribute information and educational materials about the program.

A panel of representatives from the Service, as well as a committee from the Sport Fishing and Boating Partnership Council, reviewed and ranked the BIG proposals. The Council is a federally chartered body that advises the Secretary of the Interior and the Service on recreational fishing and boating issues.