The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s (PFBC) Statewide Public Access Grant Program offers funding to support public fishing and boating access facilities in Pennsylvania. The program provides financial assistance to eligible public entities, such as municipal and county governments, land trusts, conservancies, and other qualified organizations for activities like planning, design, acquisition, development, and major rehabilitation of facilities for recreational anglers and boaters. Two specific program areas are offered: the Erie Access Improvement Program (EAIP), which supports fishing access and habitat improvements on Lake Erie, Presque Isle Bay, and their tributaries, and the Boating Facility Grant Program, which funds public boating facilities statewide.

Eligible applicants include public entities with capabilities for providing open, general public access to fishing or boating facilities. Non-profit or not-for-profit organizations must apply through a qualifying public entity. Eligible projects include acquisition and construction of boat ramps, docks, access roads, parking areas, and safety equipment, while ineligible expenses include maintenance, routine repair costs, and operational expenses. The program requires applicants to match a minimum of 50% of the requested grant funds through cash or in-kind contributions, with additional matching funds from non-federal sources encouraged to strengthen the application.

Funding is provided as a reimbursement for completed work, which is verified by PFBC staff. Applicants are responsible for managing and overseeing project implementation, securing necessary permits, and ensuring facilities remain open for public use. Projects should be completed within two years of grant approval. Selection criteria include alignment with program priorities, ADA accessibility, project readiness, public accessibility at no cost, and the amount of matching funds provided. Priority is given to projects serving a large number of users or meeting specific regional needs as defined by PFBC each year.

Applicants are encouraged to attend a pre-application meeting with PFBC staff for guidance on technical and regulatory aspects. Applications must be submitted by the established deadlines and include a cover letter, project location maps, photographs, cost estimates, preliminary design plans, and proof of ownership or control of the project site. Funding announcements are posted annually on the PFBC website, and federal funds may be available for certain projects, though additional federal compliance requirements will apply.

Successful applicants will enter into a cooperative agreement with PFBC, under which they agree to maintain the facility and provide public access for the term of the agreement. All funded facilities must display recognition signs acknowledging PFBC’s support.