HARRISBURG, PA — Pennsylvania is accepting applications through Dec. 1 for grants to expand and rehabilitate public boating facilities, with the 2027 funding round prioritizing projects in Lancaster County, along the Lehigh River and on designated Pennsylvania Water Trails.
The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission’s Boating Facility Grant Program provides funding for the planning, acquisition, development, expansion, and rehabilitation of public boating facilities.
Townships, boroughs, counties, municipalities and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, including land trusts, conservancies and watershed groups, are eligible to apply.
Projects may include boat ramps, courtesy docks, restrooms, access roads, parking areas and signage, as well as measures to prevent aquatic invasive species and other improvements benefiting boaters at public access sites.
Applicants must provide a 50% funding match and complete a mandatory site visit as part of the application process.
For the 2027 round, the commission is focusing funding on Lancaster County projects, projects providing access to the Lehigh River, and projects located on officially designated Pennsylvania Water Trails.
The commission is also encouraging applicants to incorporate universal design and accessibility features. Projects must comply with applicable Americans with Disabilities Act standards.
Pennsylvania’s Fishing and Boating Access Strategy, developed jointly by the Fish and Boat Commission and Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, is available to help communities identify access needs, address barriers, and prioritize potential improvements.
Applications and additional information are available at https://www.pa.gov/services/fishandboat/boating-facility-grant.
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