– Clean Vessel Act (FY25)
Can you apply?
This grant is for coastal States developing and constructing sewage infrastructure for recreational boats. State fish and wildlife agencies, state environmental agencies, and units of local government in coastal areas may apply. Activities include pumpout stations, dump stations, waste reception facilities, and related water infrastructure. Educational programs about proper sewage disposal for boaters are also supported.
⚖️ Cost sharing / matching required — applicants must contribute their own funds.
This grant is for coastal States developing and constructing sewage infrastructure for recreational boats. State fish and wildlife agencies, state environmental agencies, and units of local government in coastal areas may apply. Activities include pumpout stations, dump stations, waste reception facilities, and related water infrastructure. Educational programs about proper sewage disposal for boaters are also supported.
Program description
Development of surveys and plans for installing sewage pumpouts and dump stations for recreational boats in the coastal zone of coastal States; and for construction of sewage pumpouts and dump stations for recreational boats; and for implementation of education programs. Funds are available from the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund which receives money from an excise tax on fishing equipment, import duties on tackle and boats, and a motorboat fuel tax.
1. Development or renovation: Only the following components will be considered for submission to the Service for proposed funding.
• Construction (includes purchase and installation) of pumpout stations and waste reception facilities (i.e. dump stations) for use by boaters.
• Renovation of pumpout stations and waste reception facilities.
• Construction or renovation of facilities used to transport sewage to sewage treatment plants.
• Installation of bleed-in facilities (i.e. hook-ups) needed to transport sewage to sewage treatment plants.
• Purchase of informational signs, program signs, and symbols designating pumpout and dump stations.
• Construction of dock space used for the sole purpose of supporting the pumpout facility; prorating the cost may be considered if only a portion of a dock is used to station the pumpout facility.
• Surveys for significant archaeological features as needed to conduct an approved CVAGP project.
Allowable costs associated with these components may include only:
• Cost of materials acquired, consumed, or expended specifically for the purpose of the grant.
• Equipment and approved construction costs.
• Other items of expense incurred to complete the grant agreement.
Examples of allowable costs are:
• Advertising for bids.
• Legal expenses.
• Materials and supplies.
• Equipment and construction costs.
2. Ineligible or disallowed components: The following related activities will not be submitted to the Service for proposed funding.
• Operational costs.
• Maintenance costs.
• Activities that do not provide public benefits.
• Law enforcement activities.
• Construction or renovation of restroom facilities or on-site sewage treatment plants such as package treatment plants and septic systems, and municipal sewage treatment plants for primary and secondary treatment.
• Labor performed by your employees (i.e. force account) or other costs for personal services or fringe benefits.
• Interest on loans. Federal Assistance Listing: 15.616. Administered by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources via the Illinois GATA Catalog of State Financial Assistance (CSFA 422-20-0499).
Who can apply
Eligible applicants
Details
This grant is for coastal States developing and constructing sewage infrastructure for recreational boats. State fish and wildlife agencies, state environmental agencies, and units of local government in coastal areas may apply. Activities include pumpout stations, dump stations, waste reception facilities, and related water infrastructure. Educational programs about proper sewage disposal for boaters are also supported.
How to apply
Application links
Key dates & requirements
Required documents
- GATA application (Illinois CSFA 422-20-0499)
- Project narrative and scope of work
- Budget with itemized costs and cost-sharing documentation
- Environmental review documentation
- Site plans and specifications
- Education program plan (if applicable)
Program contact
- 👤 Justison, Kathy
- 📧 kathy.justison@illinois.gov
Funding track record
Recent awards under CFDA 15.616 from the last 3 years — real organizations that won funding through this same program.
Top 10 Largest Recent Awards
-
$1,519,579
-
$1,500,000
-
$1,500,000
-
$1,500,000
-
$1,500,000
-
$1,500,000
-
$1,500,000
-
$1,500,000
-
$1,466,155
-
$1,436,941
Top States by Funding
- FL 14 awards $13.6M
- CA 15 awards $12.5M
- WA 10 awards $10.8M
- CT 6 awards $8.6M
- MA 7 awards $8.3M
Source: USAspending.gov — federal spending transparency. Data covers last 3 years.
FAQ
What types of facilities can we build or renovate?
Pumpout stations, dump stations, waste reception facilities, bleed-in facilities, and dock space supporting these structures. Informational signage is also eligible.
What costs are NOT allowed?
Operational costs, maintenance, employee labor, construction of restroom facilities, on-site sewage treatment plants, and law enforcement activities are ineligible.
Is cost-sharing required?
Yes, this grant requires matching funds or cost-sharing as part of the award.
What about educational programs?
Implementation of education programs to promote proper boat sewage disposal is an eligible activity for funding.
How do we find the deadline?
Deadlines are rolling, so applicants should contact the Illinois Department of Natural Resources directly to confirm current timelines and submission windows.
💡 Tips for applicants
- Focus applications on projects that provide clear public benefit and improve environmental protection for coastal waters.
- Clearly separate eligible construction and equipment costs from ineligible operational and maintenance expenses in your budget.
- Include a cost-sharing or matching funds plan that demonstrates community commitment to the project.
- Develop an education component explaining proper boat sewage disposal practices to maximize impact.
- Document all surveying and planning costs separately, as these are distinct eligible activities from construction itself.
⚠️ Common mistakes
Requesting funding for operational or maintenance costs after project completion. Including employee labor or personal services costs in the budget. Building or renovating ineligible facilities like restrooms or municipal treatment plants.
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