The
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced $11.4 million in grants
to 24 states under the Clean Vessel Act (CVA) grant program. Since its
creation in 1992, the CVA program has provided funds to States to
construct, replace, renovate, and maintain facilities that assist
recreational boaters in properly disposing of on-board septic waste.
The program also provides information and education on the importance,
benefits, and availability of pumpouts. Funds for the CVA program are
provided annually from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust
Fund.
“It’s
an honor to recognize 20 years of the Clean Vessel Act and helping to
keep waters clean,” said Service Director Dan Ashe. “Over the past 20
years, the Service’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program has
awarded almost $200 million in CVA grants. I am pleased that these
efforts are put in place to benefit wildlife, sport fishing,
recreational boating, and communities across America.”
In addition to traditional on-dock pumpouts, projects include pumpout
boats that travel in designated harbors to make the sewage collection
process more efficient and convenient. Some States also have begun
installing floating restrooms in areas where boaters congregate and no
restrooms are available.
"No group has a more direct interest in clean water than recreational
boaters do today," said Margaret Podlich, President of the Boat Owners
Association of The United States. "That's why we support the CVA grant
program and all of the other programs that boaters and anglers pay for
through the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund."
For more information on the 2012 grant awards made today visit:
http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/GrantPrograms/CVA/CVA2012Funding.pdf
For more information on the CVA program visit:
http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/GrantPrograms/CVA/CVA.htm
