Division of Boating and Waterways Offers Grants to Improve Inland Recreational Boating Access
Silver Lake’s new launch ramp and boarding float in Inyo County, completed in 2023 and funded by a grant from the Division of Boating and Waterways.
Press release from California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways:
California State Parks’ Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is calling on public agencies with facilities serving both motorized and non-motorized recreational vessels to apply for inland Boat Launching Facility grants. Approximately $11.8 million in grants are available. Funding can be used to design, engineer, permit and construct new public recreational boat launching facilities or for improvements to existing facilities. Applications are due no later than noon, May 22, 2026.
This one-time state funding comes from the Waterway Connections Initiative (WCI). WCI funding was allocated to expand inland waterway-related outdoor access in regions with communities of populations of more than 2,500 located near a river or other inland waterway. Projects meeting the WCI criteria are encouraged to apply.
Eligible facility components include boat launch ramps, slope protection, gangways and boarding floats, associated boater parking, restrooms, fish cleaning stations, boat wash stations, ADA-compliant access, and lighting.
Interested applicants should first review the application ranking criteria on DBW’s website to determine if the proposed project meets eligibility requirements. Grant applications must be submitted through the DBW’s online grant application system.
Since 1988, DBW has awarded approximately $254 million from the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund for construction of recreational boating facilities throughout California.
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Some of our boat launch facilities are in need of improvement. Some docks are unstable due to the lack of support posts; the wood top docks can give you slivers and nail punctures in your feet. Some have raised wooded edges which can trap your feet and cause a fall or break your foot. Lack of secure tie down cleats, etc. The one at Silver Lake shown in a picture above makes a nice dock which will last for a long time. Our family likes to boat on most of the local lakes and greatly appreciates the improvements. Thank you DBW for your efforts.