The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality’s Division of Coastal Management (DCM) is currently accepting applications for funding under the North Carolina Marine Sewage Pumpout Station Grant Program. This program provides financial assistance to marinas, gas/service docks, fish houses, seafood dealers, and other boat docking facilities for the installation and renovation of pumpout stations in North Carolina’s 20 coastal counties. The goal of the program is to improve water quality by reducing sewage discharge from recreational vessels through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Clean Vessel Act (CVA).

The primary objective of this grant program is to enhance water quality in North Carolina’s coastal regions by preventing untreated sewage from being discharged into waterways. By supporting the installation and upgrade of pumpout stations, the program helps to maintain clean water for marine life, recreational activities, and local businesses that rely on a healthy marine environment. Past projects funded under this program have included fixed pumpout units installed at marinas located in designated “No Discharge Zones,” such as Carolina Beach and Bradley Creek.

A total of approximately $170,000 in funding is available for this grant cycle. Financial assistance will be provided in the form of matching grants of up to $20,000 per recipient. Applicants are required to provide at least a 25% match toward the total project cost. Funds may be used for the installation of new pumpout stations or the renovation of existing ones.

Eligible applicants include private and commercial marinas, gas/service docks, fish houses, seafood dealers, and other boat docking facilities located within the 20 designated coastal counties of North Carolina. Applicants must demonstrate their capacity to install or renovate pumpout stations in compliance with environmental guidelines.

To apply, interested parties must complete the application guidelines and forms available online. Applications may be submitted via email to Pat Durrett at pat.durrett@deq.nc.gov or mailed to the Division of Coastal Management in Morehead City. Applicants are encouraged to ensure all required information is included in their submission to facilitate review and approval.

For additional information regarding this grant program or other North Carolina Boater programs, applicants can contact Pat Durrett at pat.durrett@deq.nc.gov or by phone at (252) 808-7858 (mobile) or (252) 515-5405 (office). The grant opportunity will remain open for applications from May 21, 2024, through May 21, 2025.