New York Expands Clean Vessel Grant Program

Governor Kathy Hochul announced increased grants through New York’s Clean Vessel Assistance Program. This additional funding will help marinas and municipalities affordably install and upgrade boat sewage pumpouts that reduce pollution and protect the water quality that supports recreation, tourism, fisheries and coastal ecosystems.

Available funding has increased to as much as $80,000 for pumpout boats and $40,000 for stationary facilities and upgrades, along with continued support for facility operations, maintenance and public education. The increased funding reflects Governor Hochul’s goal of making clean water infrastructure improvements more affordable.

Pumpout stations may be small pieces of infrastructure, but they have an outsized impact on water quality by giving boaters a simple, convenient way to dispose of onboard sewage. Most of New York State’s coastal waters and connecting waterways are No Discharge Zones, where it is illegal to discharge treated or untreated sewage from boats.

The New York State Environmental Facilities Corporation (EFC) has awarded $14 million to projects across New York since the program’s inception, supporting one of the nation’s most extensive recreational boating pumpout networks. Boaters can locate facilities using EFC’s online map, making it easy to find nearby services and responsibly dispose of onboard waste.

Increased awards will help marinas continue to install new pump-out stations, modernize aging equipment, purchase pumpout boats and maintain existing facilities. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. Go to EFC’s website for eligibility requirements, application materials and the statewide facility map.

The Clean Vessel Assistance Program is funded by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, which is supported by purchases of fishing equipment and motorboat fuels.