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Marine Advisory Program

Boating Infrastructure Grant

The National Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program was authorized by the Sport Fishing and Boating Safety Act of 1998 and is funded by the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. The program is authorized to provide and enhance infrastructure at boating facilities for transient recreational vessels 26 feet or more in length. Examples of enhanced infrastructure includes, but is not limited to, transient docks, mooring buoys, WiFi capabilities, bathhouses, security enhancements, and other equipment and services that benefit eligible users of the facility.

There are two types of grants available:

  • BIG Tier 1 (State) - this grant is competitive on the state level and provides up to $200,000 per state for eligible projects.
  • BIG Tier 2 (Federal) – this grant is competitive on a national level with an award ceiling for eligible projects typically set at $1,500,000. See 50 CFR Part 86, Boating Infrastructure Grant Program; Final Rule, published May 6, 2015, for guidance on proposal preparation. Please note that the scoring criterion was updated in 2018.

The Virginia BIG program is administered through the United States Fish and Wildlife Service, the Virginia Department of Health (VDH), and the Marine Advisory Program at VIMS. When submitting an application, please do so as early as possible so that we can provide feedback and ensure requirements are met. Incomplete applications cannot be considered. 

The BIG FY26 Notice of Funding Opportunity is NOW OPEN for applications! 

Applications are due to vabigprogram@vims.edu by September 30, 2025.  

For additional information and requirements, please read the Notice of Funding Opportunity for Tier I and Tier II applications. 

Please do not hesitate to contact us with questions - vabigprogram@vims.edu

Additional Resources