Multiple fish and wildlife species and recreational boaters in 21 states will benefit from more than $13.7 million in grants awarded through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Clean Vessel Act (CVA) program. With more than $764,000 going to the Midwest Region, the CVA program helps U.S. states and territories maintain clean and healthy waters. Four states in the Midwest Region will receive awards including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa and Michigan.

Pump-out systems built or purchased through these funds ensure recreational boaters have a safe, convenient and effective method to dispose of on-board sewage. The funds also support boater education programs and the construction of boat ramps, docks and other infrastructure that create jobs in local communities.

“CVA funds are critical to ensuring our nation’s waterways remain safe, healthy and viable for all Americans – including the fish, birds and other wildlife that call these lush and vibrant ecosystems home,” said Service Director Dan Ashe. “By working with state fish and wildlife agencies and other partners, we are continuing to protect our country’s aquatic ecosystems for generations to come.”

Boaters and manufacturers contribute to the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund through excise taxes and duties on certain fishing and boating equipment and boating fuels. Since the program’s inception in 1993, the Service has allocated more than $234 million in CVA grants to U.S. states and territories to help keep the nation’s waterways clean.

2016 Midwest Region Projects Receiving Grants:

Illinois – Coastal $89,231 – The Illinois Department of Natural Resources plans to work with partners to construct or renovate pumpouts and waste reception facilities. They plan to educate and promote pumpouts throughout the state via publications and by marina signage.

Indiana – Coastal $87,085 and Inland $329,940 – The Indiana Department of Environmental Management plans to construct or renovate both inland and coastal pumpouts with partners applying through their application system. Funding for operation and maintenance of existing pumpouts for boaters will continue. In addition, Indiana DNR will educate and inform boaters through the use of social media, online pumpout station maps and update existing publications.

Iowa – Inland $15,000 – The Iowa Department of Natural Resources plans to renovate the pumpout facility on Saylorville Lake by partnering with the Saylorville Lake Marina.

Michigan – Coastal $195,064 and Inland $48,000 – The Michigan Department of Natural Resources will issue grants to local governments and private marina operators primarily for the purchase and installation of new pumpouts. Michigan DNR estimates an increase of ten pumpouts and associated infrastructure using CVA funds.

“The CVA program’s support through the user-pay, public-benefit cycle has contributed to the successes of the Sport Fish Restoration programs,” said Acting WSFR Assistant Director Paul Rauch. “States are able to apply for CVA funding, and they or their partners provide matching funds to complete projects. Sub-grantees often include local municipalities and private marinas. These partnership efforts are a win-win for clean water and the many families who enjoy recreational boating and the great outdoors.”