Waterways Improvement Grant Program

The Waterways Improvement Fund (WIF) was created by the Idaho Legislature in 1963. The program receives 0.84 percent of Idaho's state gas tax revenues. This returns funds to boaters who use Idaho's waterways while pursuing their gasoline-powered recreation. In 1973, legislation placed a cap of $300,000 annually on WIF revenues. The Legislature removed that cap effective July 1, 1988. The current grant funding level for the program is about $1.3 to $1.4 million annually.

The WIF program is designed to promote safety, improve waterways for boating purposes and build and improve public parking lots for boaters. The program is also meant to provide public boat ramps and moorings, marking of waterways, and search and rescue of boaters.

In order to receive grant funds, all facilities must be open to the general public. No charge can be levied for facility use without the approval of the Idaho Park and Recreation Board.

All projects are reviewed by the Waterways Improvement Fund Advisory Committee, which makes recommendations to the Idaho Park and Recreation Board for final approval.

Waterways Improvement Grants - The Program in Brief

Purpose

To provide improvements to the waterways and boating facilities, which include, but are not limited to, boat ramps, docks, boating related parking areas, boat safety equipment, patrol boats, hazardous water markers, buoys and land acquisitions. The items funded through the grant must be primarily for the benefit of boaters engaging in boating activities. One hundred percent grants are available.

Budget

About $1.3 to $1.4 million.

Who Can Apply

Public agencies and tribes that can provide non-profit public boating services or facilities.

Grant Deadline

The last Friday in January each year.

Idaho Code References

57-1501, 57-1502, 57-1503, 63-2412

Grant Forms

Application PDF Request for Project Funds Form PDF

Note: We can e-mail applications to you in Microsoft Word or text formats. Request the documents by emailing recgrants@idpr.state.id.us.

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