11-16-2006, 08:04 PM
Boating enthusiasts across the state have an opportunity to benefit from $500,000 in grants now available through the Arizona Game and Fish Department. Government agencies and private landowners can apply through the Boating Access Grant program to fund projects that will enhance and improve access to Arizona lakes and waterways for boating recreation.
Every year, grant funds are available through the department to agencies and individuals with legal ownership or control of public sites that provide access to any Arizona waterway allowing motorized boats. Under the Wallop-Breaux Amendment to the Sport Fish Restoration Act, a minimum of 15 percent of tax on fishing tackle and motorboat fuel must be used to provide boating facility improvements on public lakes and waterways that allow gas-powered motorboats.
"This is a great example of a program where users who pay fees and taxes wind up directly benefiting from the money," said Ron Christofferson, the Arizona Game and Fish Department's boating facilities program manager. "In this case, anglers and boaters pay taxes on fishing tackle and motorboat fuel and import fees on tackle and boats. Then, it is allocated each year to state game and fish agencies to support fisheries and boating access projects that anglers and boaters can enjoy."
In Arizona, 91 projects have been completed so far, ranging from renovation or construction of boat launch ramps, boat and trailer parking lots, courtesy docks, restrooms, and improved access to boating facilities for the disabled.
Past grant recipients include the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and Lake Havasu City.
"Recreational boaters, anglers, and public and private entities all benefit from this program, and this is the time of year for agencies to apply," said Christofferson.
Grant funds are awarded through a competitive application process, and applicants are reviewed and judged on the basis of priorities, project feasibility and overall merit as they relate to the current needs of the boating public. The application deadline is Nov. 30, 2006.
For more information on how to apply for a grant, and a copy of the Request for Grant Applications, visit azgfd.gov/watercraft and click on "Boating Facilities" on the left side of the page, or call Arizona Game and Fish at (602) 789-3481.
Every year, grant funds are available through the department to agencies and individuals with legal ownership or control of public sites that provide access to any Arizona waterway allowing motorized boats. Under the Wallop-Breaux Amendment to the Sport Fish Restoration Act, a minimum of 15 percent of tax on fishing tackle and motorboat fuel must be used to provide boating facility improvements on public lakes and waterways that allow gas-powered motorboats.
"This is a great example of a program where users who pay fees and taxes wind up directly benefiting from the money," said Ron Christofferson, the Arizona Game and Fish Department's boating facilities program manager. "In this case, anglers and boaters pay taxes on fishing tackle and motorboat fuel and import fees on tackle and boats. Then, it is allocated each year to state game and fish agencies to support fisheries and boating access projects that anglers and boaters can enjoy."
In Arizona, 91 projects have been completed so far, ranging from renovation or construction of boat launch ramps, boat and trailer parking lots, courtesy docks, restrooms, and improved access to boating facilities for the disabled.
Past grant recipients include the U.S.D.A. Forest Service, National Park Service, Bureau of Land Management and Lake Havasu City.
"Recreational boaters, anglers, and public and private entities all benefit from this program, and this is the time of year for agencies to apply," said Christofferson.
Grant funds are awarded through a competitive application process, and applicants are reviewed and judged on the basis of priorities, project feasibility and overall merit as they relate to the current needs of the boating public. The application deadline is Nov. 30, 2006.
For more information on how to apply for a grant, and a copy of the Request for Grant Applications, visit azgfd.gov/watercraft and click on "Boating Facilities" on the left side of the page, or call Arizona Game and Fish at (602) 789-3481.