Clean Vessel Act Celebrates 20th Anniversary Helping Recreational Boaters Keep Waters Clean The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service today announced $11.4 million in grants to 29 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 2011 grant awards made today visit: http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/GrantPrograms/CVA/CVA2011Funding.pdf.

For more information on the CVA program visit: http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/GrantPrograms/CVA/CVA.htm

Logo courtesy of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service