The Boating Infrastructure Grant Program, administered by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR), provides funding for the construction of recreational boating facilities across the state. The program aims to enhance docking options for transient boats 26 feet or larger, ensuring accessibility to recreational, historic, cultural, natural, and scenic resources. It also seeks to strengthen local economic ties to the boating community, promote public and private partnerships, and raise awareness of transient boating opportunities.

Eligible projects must meet specific criteria, including designing facilities to accommodate boats of at least 26 feet, ensuring public access, prohibiting commercial uses or seasonal slips, and maintaining a minimum lifespan of 20 years. Facilities must remain in use for their intended purpose throughout their useful life. Ineligible activities include routine maintenance, long-term slip rentals, trailerable boat facilities, dredging, and construction projects that do not provide a public benefit. The DNR may conduct on-site evaluations to determine project suitability and may require documentation of area boating demand.

The grant is available to local units of government, including cities, villages, townships, and counties, as well as public universities and private facilities. Interested applicants must submit a Boating Infrastructure Grant Program application and proposal to the DNR’s Parks and Recreation Division (PRD). Applications undergo a technical review, with initial recommendations for funding consideration made after April 1. If approved, applicants must submit a final proposal and associated federal forms to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service by the end of September. Approved projects require a third-party agreement with the DNR before proceeding with engineering and construction.

Grant funding covers 75% of total approved project costs, with the remaining 25% required from non-federal sources. Funding is provided through the Sport Fish Restoration Account, a federal program under the Sport Fishing and Boating Safety Act.

The application deadline is April 1 at 5 p.m., after which the review and funding determination process begins. If selected for further consideration, applicants will need to submit a full proposal and supporting documents to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. Those receiving final approval will proceed with final engineering documentation and project construction.

For additional information, applicants can contact Curt Wemple at 231-444-8029 or via email at WempleC1@Michigan.gov.