On February 13, the Fish and Boat Commission announced the award of the first round of grants awarded in 2025 through the Boating Facility Grant Program.

Through this program, the PFBC provides grants for the planning, acquisition, development, expansion, and rehabilitation of public boating facilities located on the waters of the Commonwealth. 

The goal of the program is to ensure Pennsylvania's recreational boaters have convenient and high-quality boating facilities. 

Funds for this program are derived primarily from boat registration fees and state motorboat fuel taxes.  In certain instances, federal aid is also used, if appropriate.

Grants being announced at this time will be dedicated to projects for which the PFBC has awarded $100,000 or less, and include--

Delaware River Watershed

-- Muhlenberg Township: Construction of a Canoe/Kayak Access at Pioneer Grove Park, Schuylkill River, Berks County

-- Riverfront North Partnership: Dock Improvements at the Frankford Boat Launch, Delaware River, Philadelphia County

-- Spring City Borough: Improve Amenities at the Spring City Boat Launch Park, Schuylkill River, Chester County

-- Thornhurst Township: Develop Access at Riverfront Park, Lehigh River, Lackawanna County

Ohio River Watershed

-- North Franklin Township: Construct a Fishing Dock and Canoe/Kayak Launch on Reservoir Two, Washington County

Susquehanna River Watershed

-- Hanover Borough: Install a Non-Motorized Access Area, Long Arm Reservoir, York County

-- Lewistown Borough: Rehabilitate the Boat Launch at Victory Park, Juniata River, Mifflin County

-- Montgomery Borough: Rehabilitate the Boat Launch at Montgomery Borough Park, West Branch Susquehanna River, Lycoming County

-- East Lampeter Township: Design and Construction of Canoe/Kayak Access, Mill Creek, Lancaster County

Additional Boating Facility Grants, which include more than $100,000 in funding from the PFBC, will be announced later in 2025, pending required approval from the PFBC Board of Commissioners.

Visit the Boating Facility Grant Program webpage for more information.

Wear Life Jackets

The PFBC reminds boaters that the annual cold weather life jacket requirement remains in effect.  Anyone aboard a boat less than 16 feet, including all kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, is required to wear a life jacket from November 1 through April 30.

Click Here for a copy of the announcement.

Related Articles:

-- Fish & Boat Commission Awards First Round Of Boating Facility Grants  [PaEN]

-- PA, NY To Host Feb. 25 Webinar On New Wild Trout Management Plan for Delaware River Tailwaters  [PaEN] 

-- DCNR: The Votes Are In - Delaware River Named Pennsylvania's 2025 River Of The Year  [PaEN]

[Posted: February 13, 2025]

2/17/2025