Hochul: Increased grants for marinas to help protect NYS waterways from pollution

Submitted by the Office of Gov. Kathy Hochul 

Gov. Kathy Hochul announced increased grants through New York’s clean vessel assistance program. This additional funding will help marinas and municipalities affordably install and upgrade boat sewage pump-outs that reduce pollution and protect the water quality that supports recreation, tourism, fisheries and coastal ecosystems.

“New York’s waterways are among some of our greatest assets, and protecting them requires investment and partnerships,” Hochul said. “This funding will help marinas strengthen the waterfront infrastructure that keeps sewage out of our bays, protects marine habitats, and preserves the clean water that communities depend on."

Available funding has increased to as much as $80,000 for pump-out boats and $40,000 for stationary facilities and upgrades, along with continued support for facility operations, maintenance and public education. The increased funding reflects Hochul’s goal of making clean water infrastructure improvements more affordable.

Pump-out stations may be small pieces of infrastructure, but they have an outsized impact on water quality by giving boaters a simple, convenient way to dispose of onboard sewage. Most of New York state's coastal waters and connecting waterways are “No Discharge Zones,” where it is illegal to discharge treated or untreated sewage from boats.

The New York State Environmental Facilities Corp. (EFC) has awarded $14 million to projects across New York since the program’s inception, supporting one of the nation's most extensive recreational boating pump-out networks. Boaters can locate facilities using EFC's online map, making it easy to find nearby services and responsibly dispose of onboard waste.

The announcement was made Tuesday at Tanner Park Marina in the Town of Babylon, where EFC has provided $136,000 for pump-out operations at the town’s marinas. The event highlighted Hochul’s broader commitment to Long Island; EFC alone has invested over $1 billion in the past two years for water quality projects that are helping to protect Long Island's sole source aquifer, safeguard public health, protect the environment and foster economic vitality.

Increased awards will help marinas continue to install new pump-out stations, modernize aging equipment, purchase pump-out boats and maintain existing facilities.

Marina owners, municipalities and eligible nonprofit organizations are encouraged to apply for grants. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Go to EFC’s website for eligibility requirements, application materials and the statewide facility map.

The clean vessel assistance program is funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, which is supported by purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels.

EFC President and CEO Maureen A. Coleman said, “Keeping New York's waterways clean takes smart investments at every level. Whether we're financing million-dollar treatment plants or helping a marina install a new pump-out station, every clean water investment protects New York's waterways and public health. Under the leadership of Gov. Hochul, these increased grants will help marinas expand access to essential services, support responsible boating, and preserve the waters that millions of New Yorkers and visitors enjoy every year.”