Division of Boating and Waterways Local Assistance Statewide Ramp Repair and Modification Grant Program FY27

The California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways, or DBW, administers boating facility development and financing assistance to support safe and convenient public access to California waterways. DBW operates within the California Department of Parks and Recreation and is supported through the Harbors and Watercraft Revolving Fund, whose resources include vessel registration fees, repayments of DBW marina loans, and vessel fuel tax revenue. The Ramp Repair and Modification Grant is one of the grant types administered through the Boat Launching Facilities Program and is intended specifically for facilities that were previously improved using DBW funding. Ramp Repair and Modification grants provide funding to qualifying public agencies to restore recreational boating access and address problems at boat launching facilities caused by unexpected events or conditions that may not be covered by an agency's insurance. Examples include storms, floods, droughts, forest fires, and water drawdowns associated with dam repairs, dam seismic safety concerns, or water releases to protect fish habitat. Projects are generally limited to the work necessary to restore boating access, relieve overcapacity, address health or safety concerns, and restore facility functionality. Typical projects include ramp extensions or widenings, low-water and second-stage parking areas, and repairs to launching ramps, boarding floats, restrooms, and parking areas. Eligible Ramp Repair and Modification work includes boat launch ramp restoration and extensions for low-water boating access, parking area restoration, restroom repair or replacement, restoration of accessible paths of travel, boarding float and gangway repair or replacement, security lighting repair or replacement, slope protection, dredging needed to repair or replace an existing ramp, accessibility restoration, fish cleaning station repair or replacement, pay kiosk or station repair or replacement, message board and signage restoration, boat wash-down station restoration, boat staging area restoration, and restoration of existing solar panels or wind turbines. Eligible technical services include engineering plans, specifications and cost estimates, professional construction inspection including construction management, project permitting, and mitigation when required by permitting agencies and funding allows. Project management, administration, and overhead are not reimbursable expenses. Eligibility is tied to facilities previously funded by DBW. The project must remain open and accessible to all public boaters, and improvements cannot benefit private businesses, private entities, or restricted-use areas. The property must be owned or leased by a qualifying public agency for at least 20 years from the proposed construction completion date. For Ramp Repair and Modification projects, the applicant must have financial resources to operate and maintain the facility and improvements for 10 years at no cost to the state. Applicants must also have appropriate staff and expertise, sufficient cash flow to withstand a 90 to 120 day reimbursement cycle, and the ability to complete the project or requested project phase within three years. Upon completion, the combined entrance, parking, launching, and day-use facility fees are limited to no more than 13 dollars, subject to annual increases based on the consumer price index. DBW accepts applications through its Online Grant Application System, or OLGA. Applications are accepted year-round, with February 1 serving as the annual cut-off for consideration in the following state budget cycle. For the identified 2027 cycle, applications are due no later than 12 p.m. on February 1, 2027. Applicants should review the application overview and instructions and application checklist before submitting. A governing body resolution is required. Application documentation includes project and facility information, environmental compliance documentation, information concerning key officers and oversight bodies, public support or opposition, required permits and approvals, and a feasibility report. The feasibility report addresses the proposed project, location and access, existing conditions, previous DBW funding, engineering feasibility, detailed costs, usage, restrictions, economic justification, drawings and photographs, and operation and maintenance. Construction projects using state funds require CEQA compliance at the applicant's expense, and applicable federal projects require NEPA compliance at the applicant's expense. DBW evaluates the need, readiness, feasibility, recreational boating benefit, project cost, and ability of the applicant to successfully deliver and sustain the proposed improvements. DBW staff prepare a benefit-cost analysis using application data to establish that the recreational boating benefit of the investment exceeds the cost of constructing or renovating the facility. Grant amounts vary by project, with no stated minimum or maximum award. Ramp Repair and Modification awards typically range from 10,000 dollars to 750,000 dollars depending on the severity, magnitude, and urgency of the problem and available funding. Applicants should provide credible and defensible cost estimates and demonstrate that the proposed work is economically justified in relation to anticipated recreational boating usage. Applicants should account for the state's budgeting process and recognize that actual construction can occur three or four years after application because of budgeting cycles, permitting, preparation of plans and specifications, seasonal restrictions, and other factors. An ideal project development schedule should therefore accompany the application. Grant funding is provided on a reimbursement basis and funding advances are not approved. Grant staff contacts provided for the program include 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. The February 1 cut-off is described as recurring annually, making February 1, 2027 the next applicable cut-off after the August 14, 2026 analysis date.

Demonstrate a clear recreational boating need and explain how the project restores access functionality or safety. Establish that the project area was previously improved using DBW funding. Provide credible and defensible cost estimates and demonstrate engineering and financial feasibility. Show that recreational boating benefits justify project costs. Address project readiness including CEQA NEPA when applicable permits staffing cash flow and the ability to complete the project or requested phase within three years.