Division of Boating and Waterways Local Assistance Statewide Sign Grant Program FY26

The California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) administers the Boat Launching Facilities (BLF) Grant Program to enhance public access to California’s waterways by funding the construction, renovation, and improvement of boating infrastructure. The grant program provides financial assistance to eligible public agencies for the development of boat launching ramps, boarding floats, parking areas, restrooms, and lighting to support both motorized and non-motorized boating activities. The program’s objective is to improve public recreational boating opportunities while ensuring safe and sustainable facility management. Grants are awarded on a competitive basis depending on funding availability. The program is open to qualifying public agencies such as city and county governments and special districts that operate public boating access facilities. In addition to grants, DBW also administers loans for improvements to both public and private marinas, though the Marina Loan Program is currently suspended pending further evaluation and funding identification. The application process requires interested agencies to submit proposals through the Online Grant Application (OLGA) system. Applications are accepted continuously, but to be considered for funding in the State’s fiscal year 2027/2028 budget, they must be submitted by noon on February 2, 2026. Applications received after this deadline will be evaluated for funding in subsequent budget cycles. A governing body resolution is required as part of the submission process, and applicants are encouraged to review the Application Overview and Instructions, as well as the Application Checklist, to ensure completeness. Applications are assessed based on a ranking system that considers project feasibility, cost-effectiveness, potential to enhance public access, and compliance with state regulatory and environmental standards. Once applications are submitted, they enter the State’s confidential budget-making process. The Governor’s budget, released in January 2026, will include a proposed list of projects for the fiscal year 2026-2027. The final budget is expected to be approved in June 2026, after which grant agreements will be prepared for successful applicants. Grant funds will not be available to grantees until a fully executed grant agreement is in place. Any project work initiated before the execution of the agreement will not be eligible for funding reimbursement. DBW will notify applicants upon receipt of their complete applications and may request additional information during the review process. Once awarded, grantees must comply with all reporting and project monitoring requirements. For more information about the Boat Launching Facility Grant Program, applicants may contact Joe Dux at Joe.Dux@parks.ca.gov or (916) 902-8822. Additional inquiries can be directed to John Mathias at John.Mathias@parks.ca.gov or Casey Caldwell at Casey.Caldwell@parks.ca.gov. Application materials, including instructional webinars, ranking worksheets, and sample documents, are available through the OLGA system.