April 23, 2008 -- U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Director H. Dale Hall announced that more than $13.6 million in grants funding will be awarded to 27 states under the Clean Vessel Act grant program in 2008. The grants will be used to fund the construction and installation of sewage pumpout facilities and floating restrooms, to purchase pumpout boats and for educational programs for recreational boaters.
"As an avid boater, I know the importance of keeping America's waterways healthy and safe for people and wildlife," said Director Hall. "The Clean Vessel Act grants are a key part of our efforts to have safe and clean water."
Since the program's inception in the early 1990s, the program has awarded nearly $150 million to states to install thousands of sewage pumpout stations. In addition, many states now rely upon mobile sewage pumpout boats to make the sewage collection process more efficient and convenient. Several states have begun installing floating restrooms and pumpout stations in high use areas of lakes and coastal locations.
Funding for the CVA program (Code of Federal Domestic Grants number 15.616) comes from the Sport Fishing and Boating Trust Fund, formerly known as the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund, which is supported by excise taxes on certain fishing and boating equipment and boat fuels.
The mission of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is working with others to conserve, protect and enhance fish, wildlife, plants and their habitats for the continuing benefit of the American people.
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