Waterways Improvement and Boating Safety Grants
Waterways Improvement Grant Program
The waterways Improvement Fund (WIF) was created by the Idaho Legislature in 1963. The program receives 0.84 percent of Idaho's state gas tax revenues. This returns funds to boaters who use Idaho's waterways while pursuing their gasoline powered recreation. In 1973, legislation placed a cap of $300,000 annually on WIF revenues. The Legislature removed that cap effective July 1, 1988. The current grant funding level for the program is about $1.3 to $1.4 million annually.
The WIF program is designed to promote safety, improve waterways for boating purposes and build and improve public parking lots for boaters. The program is also meant to provide public boat ramps and moorings, marking of waterways, and search and rescue of boaters.
In order to receive grant funds, all facilities must be open to the general public. No charge can be levied for facility use without the approval of the Idaho Park and Recreation Board.
All projects are reviewed by the Waterways Improvement Fund Advisory Committee, which makes recommendations to the Idaho Park and Recreation Board for final approval.
Waterways Improvement Grants - The Program in Brief
Purpose
To provide improvements to the waterways and boating facilities, which include, but are not limited to, boat ramps, docks, boating related parking areas, boat safety equipment, patrol boats, hazardous water markers, buoys and land acquisitions. The items funded through the grant must be primarily for the benefit of boaters engaging in boating activities. One hundred percent grants are available.
Budget
About $1.3 to $1.4 million.
Who Can Apply
Public agencies and tribes that can provide non-profit public boating services or facilities.
Grant Forms
Note: We can email applications to you in Microsoft Word or text formats. Request the documents by email. Be sure to specify which format you prefer.
Grant Deadline
The last Friday in January each year.
Idaho Code References
Contact
State and Federal Aid Coordinator
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0065-0065
Phone 208-514-2430
Email the Program Coordinator
Boating Safety Grant Program
The federal Boat Safety Account is the primary funding source for Idaho's Boating Safety Program. This federal program was established by Congress in 1972 and is administered nationally by the U.S. Coast Guard. These grant funds are generated from a portion of the federal motorboat fuel tax and can only be used for boating safety purposes.
The Congressional intent is for states to enhance their boating safety efforts and substantially reduce the number of boating accidents and fatalities, while at the same time promoting recreational boating.
The Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation administers the Boat Safety Grant and the Boating Safety Program for the State. IDPR's Board and Director establish grant policy guidelines and approve or deny projects for funding. Because other units of government perform the majority of the boating safety duties in Idaho, IDPR sub-grants a large portion of these funds, mostly to county sheriffs' offices.
Grants are typically given for law enforcement and public education salaries, fuel, uniforms and law enforcement supplies and equipment.
Boating Safety Grants - The Program in Brief
Purpose
To enhance boating safety in Idaho. The grants usually require a 50 percent match. The funds can only be used for boating safety (law enforcement, boat accident search and rescue, and public education) and some restricted boating facilities.
Budget
About $600,000 annually, from federal motorboat fuel tax.
Who Receives the Funding?
Counties, sheriff's departments, and other agencies or organizations that can demonstrate evidence of responsibility in providing public boating safety services.
Contact
IDPR Boating Program Manager
Idaho Department of Parks and Recreation
P.O. Box 83720
Boise, ID 83720-0065-0065
Phone 208-514-2412