Division of Boating and Waterways Local Assistance Statewide Sign Grant Program

The California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways administers local assistance grant and loan programs that support safe and convenient public access to California waterways. The Division of Boating and Waterways operates within the California Department of Parks and Recreation and is supported in part through the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund, which receives revenue from vessel registration fees, repayments of Division of Boating and Waterways marina loans, and vessel fuel tax. Its boating facilities programs support the development and improvement of recreational boating access throughout California. The Statewide Sign Grant Program is one of four grant types administered through the Boat Launching Facilities Program. The Statewide Sign Grant Program provides grant funding for signs at projects previously funded by the Division of Boating and Waterways. Funding is intended for circumstances in which existing signs are obsolete, incorrect, badly worn or damaged, or missing, as well as situations in which signs are needed for safety or are required as a condition of receiving federal funds. Eligible work includes the construction and installation of project credit signs, directional signage, information kiosks, and language access expansion through translation and printing. The central funding criterion for this program is that the project or facility must have previously received Division of Boating and Waterways funding. Grant amounts vary according to the individual project. The program does not establish a minimum or maximum grant award. Historical or typical awards range from 1000 dollars to 7000 dollars depending on the size, material, and installation requirements of the sign being purchased and the availability of funding. Because the stated range is described as typical rather than as an enforceable minimum and maximum, it should not be treated as an official award floor or ceiling. The source does not state a required applicant match or cost share for the Statewide Sign Grant Program. The Division of Boating and Waterways accepts local assistance applications year round, with February 1 serving as the annual cutoff for consideration in the following state budget cycle. The supplied current opportunity information identifies February 1, 2027 as the application deadline, with applications due no later than 12 p.m. Applications are submitted through the Division of Boating and Waterways Online Grant Application System, known as OLGA. Applicants should review the Application Overview and Instructions and the Application Checklist before submission. A resolution from the applicants governing body is required. Sample applications may be obtained through OLGA by accessing the Division of Boating and Waterways program documents without logging into the system. Applicants should ensure that the proposed signage is connected to a project previously funded by the Division of Boating and Waterways and clearly explain why replacement or installation is needed. The source identifies qualifying conditions including obsolete, incorrect, worn, damaged, or missing signs, safety needs, and federal funding requirements. The application materials also direct applicants to evaluate project needs, define the scope and cost, provide credible and defensible cost information, and supply the documentation required for a complete application. Applications and awards are administered on a competitive basis as funding allows, making a clear demonstration of eligibility, need, scope, and cost important to the funding decision. The current materials do not provide a separate award notification date or a specific performance period for Statewide Sign Grant Program awards. Because Division of Boating and Waterways applications are accepted year round and February 1 is identified as the annual cutoff for consideration in the following state budget cycle, the opportunity is treated as recurring annually. Based on the February 1, 2027 cutoff and the analysis date of August 14, 2026, the current cycle is accepting applications and the next expected annual cycle is February 2028. Grant staff identified in the supplied program information are Joe Dux at Joe.Dux@parks.ca.gov or 916-902-8822, John Mathias at John.Mathias@parks.ca.gov or 916-902-8827, and Casey Caldwell at Casey.Caldwell@parks.ca.gov or 916-902-8824.

Demonstrate that the project or facility previously received Division of Boating and Waterways funding. Clearly explain whether signage is obsolete incorrect worn damaged missing needed for safety or required because of federal funding. Define the proposed signage scope and provide credible cost information. Review the Application Checklist before submission to ensure the application is complete.