Are you concerned about abandoned and derelict vessels (ADVs) cluttering up your local waterways? Good news! The Boat Owners Association of the United States (BoatUS) Foundation is offering grant funding to help clean up these neglected boats. With the support of a $10 million grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) Marine Debris Program, provided by the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, the BoatUS Foundation aims to tackle this problem nationwide over the next four years.
From June 10-August 12, 2024, organizations are encouraged to apply for funding to support their efforts in removing ADVs from coastal waterways and the Great Lakes. This is an excellent opportunity for qualified, diverse, and experienced organizations to make a significant impact on their local environments.
The Importance of Removing ADVs
Abandoned and derelict vessels can be found in ports, waterways, and estuaries across the U.S. causing various problems. These vessels can damage sensitive plants and corals, move or sink during coastal storms, pose navigation hazards, and lead to economic losses. Removing them is often expensive, with an average clearing cost exceeding $24,000 per boat. Many communities lack the local funding or resources to address this issue, making the BoatUS Foundation grant program critical. “We’re excited about building upon our years of experience with ADV removals,” said Alanna Keating, BoatUS Foundation director of outreach and grant program director. “This is a unique program that is open to any organization, nonprofit or for-profit, as well as local, state, territorial, tribal, and regional government agencies. Some of our focus will be seeking underserved or marginalized communities that don’t have the local resources to rid their shores of abandoned and derelict vessels.” Nancy Wallace, director of the NOAA Marine Debris Program, emphasized the extensive nature of the issue. “Abandoned and derelict vessels are a widespread problem across the United States,” she said. “We are pleased to partner with the BoatUS Foundation to maximize our impact, while reducing the accumulation of costly and damaging debris in our ports, waterways, and coasts.”
The Goals and Benefits of the Program
The primary goal of the BoatUS Foundation program is to enhance U.S. coastal and Great Lakes waters affected by ADVs. The initiative aims to create a national online database to track the location and removal efforts of ADVs. By eliminating the pollution and hazards these vessels pose, the program will have a lasting positive impact on the environment and safety of our waters.How to Apply
Interested organizations can apply for ADV removal funds by submitting a letter of intent that addresses the following points:- Identify the body of water from which debris will be removed.
- Describe the project’s purpose and the planned steps to complete it.
- Outline the anticipated outcomes for the environment and the community.
- Explain how diversity, equity, justice, and inclusion will be incorporated into the project.
- Provide a project budget and list expenses to be covered by the grant.
- Detail the necessary authorizations and/or permits required to complete the work.
