Recreational Boating Facilities

(s. 30.92, Wis. Stats.; ch. NR 7, Wis. Adm.. Code)

Counties, towns, cities, villages, tribes, sanitary districts, public inland lake protection and rehabilitation districts, and qualified lake associations are eligible to apply for funds to:

• Construct capital improvements that will provide safe recreational boating facilities.
• Conduct feasibility studies related to the development of safe recreational boating facilities.
• Purchase aquatic weed harvesting equipment.
• Purchase navigation aids.
• Dredge channels of waterways.
• Chemically treat Eurasian water milfoil.

DNR provides cost sharing of up to 50 percent for eligible costs. Eligible projects include:

• Facilities such as ramps and service docks required to gain access to the water.
• Structures necessary to provide safe water conditions for boaters such as bulkheads and breakwaters.
• Dredging to provide safe water depths for recreational boating.
• Dredging of inland water channels for recreational boating (not more than once in ten years).
  
  • dredging is an eligible project only when it is associated with project development at the project site. Maintenance dredging is not eligible
• Support facilities (limited to parking lots, sanitary facilities and security lighting).
• Acquisition of equipment to cut and remove aquatic plants.
• Application of chemicals to remove Eurasian water milfoil (EWM).
• Acquisition of equipment to collect and remove floating trash and debris from a waterway.
• Acquisition of navigation and regulatory marker aids.
• Feasibility studies for safe boating facilities.

An additional 10 percent may be available if a municipality conducts a boating safety enforcement and education program approved by the DNR. An additional 30 percent may be available if the project meets statewide and regional requirements, as established by the Waterways Commission. A five-member Waterways Commission, appointed by the Governor, reviews and recommends projects for funding.

The following factors are considered in establishing priorities for projects:

• Distance of proposed project from other recreational boating facilities.
• Demand for safe boating facilities.
• Existing facilities.
• Projects underway.
• Commitment of funds.
• Location of proposed project within the region identified in s. 25.29(7), Wis. Stats.

Deadlines are established quarterly. Contact your DNR Regional Community Service Specialist for current application information.

Caution to Project Sponsors - Protect Confidential Data

The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) takes seriously its responsibility to protect all confidential data that are collected as the DNR administers its programs. For DNR grant programs, “confidential data” typically includes:

• Personal -- Social Security number, date of birth, driver’s license number, signature
• Financial -- Bank account numbers on cancelled checks and statements. Credit card numbers on submitted receipts. Account and credit balances or limits. Federal or Wisconsin tax returns.

If a grant is being issued to an individual, we need most of the personal data listed above before we can issue payments or reimbursements. This needed data comes to the DNR on completed W-9 forms. The DNR has a process to restrict access to and secure W-9 forms.

The DNR, however is often sent unnecessary confidential data that are attached to proofs of payment, receipts, or other documents in support of a reimbursement request. Please protect confidential data by blackening out – also called “redacting” – bank account numbers, credit card account numbers, and other confidential data before proofs of payment are sent to the DNR. Please do not redact check numbers from bank statements.

With each of us doing our part, we can protect confidential data and minimize identity theft.

Thank you for your assistance and cooperation.

Forms

• Application Guidelines [PDF 134KB]
• 8700-14 - Recreation Grant Project Cost Estimate Worksheet [PDF 90KB]
• 8700-001 Grant Payment Request [PDF Fillable Form 62KB]
• 8700-002 Grant Payment Worksheet [PDF Fillable Form 53KB]
• 8700-121 Waterways Commission Financial Assistance Application [PDF Fillable Form 20KB]
• 8700-226 Lake Association Organizational Application [PDF Fillable Form 157KB]
• Financial Administration [PDF Fillable Form 34KB]

Additional Information:

Procurement Guide for Local Governments Receiving DNR Grants [PDF Fillable Form 113KB]

Contacts

DNR Regional Community Service Specialist

or

Diane Conklin
Department of Natural Resources
PO Box 397
1341 2nd Avenue
Cumberland, WI 54829
Phone: (715) 822-8583
Fax: (715) 822-3592

Last Revised: Thursday June 11 2009