The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service announced recently that more than $14.7 million will be awarded to 23 states under the Clean Vessel Act grant program in 2013, and Texas will receive more than half a million dollars in grants.
The first Clean Vessel Act awards were made in 1993. Since that time the Service’s Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program has awarded more than $200 million to states for projects funding construction, replacement, renovation, and maintenance of 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 pump outs.
“Clean Vessel Act grants are essential to ensure clean water and healthy environments that allow for recreational boating opportunities,” said Service Director Dan Ashe. “The CVA program has a substantial economic impact on local communities, which is a win-win situation for conservation initiatives and businesses across America.”
Texas — Coastal $240,000, Inland $270,000.
Texas Parks and Wildlife Department plans to enhance the infrastructure of their pumpouts by installing seven coastal and ten inland pumpout facilities, proving maintenance funds to keep pumpouts operational, and continue their boater education program to inform boaters of the issues associated with human waste and its proper disposal. They will also develop and distribute a map and educational materials, conduct CVA workshops, provide maintenance to existing pumpout facilities, and develop plans for future CVA project locations.
