Boating Infrastructure Grants

The Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program provides funding for infrastructure improvements at harbors throughout the state of Michigan. The program is designed to construct, renovate, and maintain boating infrastructure facilities for transient recreational vessels at least 26 feet long.

Eligible applicants include local units of government (city, village, township, and county) and privately owned harbors/marinas. Projects must be used by boats 26 feet or greater in length, serve transient boaters (staying not more than 14 consecutive days), be open to the public, and not allow commercial uses or seasonal slips. Eligible activities include harbor engineering and infrastructure components.

Applications are due to the Michigan DNR by April 1. The DNR reviews applications and submits selected proposals to the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service for federal approval. The entire process may take up to 18 months or more to complete.