Funds under this grant award will be used to expand recreational, transient vessel infrastructure at marina puerto chico, located on sardinera BAY in fajardo, puerto rico.improvements for eligible…

The Department of Interior Fish and Wildlife Service awarded $2,105,582 to Puerto Rico's Department of Natural and Environmental Resources on July 1, 2025, under the Sportfishing and Boating Safety Act (CFDA 15.622) to expand recreational transient vessel infrastructure at Marina Puerto Chico in Fajardo, Puerto Rico. The project will deliver tangible boating infrastructure improvements including 19 additional vessel slips, 568 linear feet of side-tie berthing capacity, an aluminum gangway, and associated utilities (electrical and water service). These improvements are designed to accommodate recreational vessels 26 feet or greater and serve both local boaters and transient vessels from the U.S. and British Virgin Islands.

The three-year project, scheduled for completion by June 30, 2028, directly addresses capacity constraints at the marina that have limited its ability to serve increasing demand for transient recreational boating. By expanding docking and mooring facilities, the project will enhance the marina's operational capacity while supporting its position as a premier boating destination in the Caribbean region. As a typical Sportfishing and Boating Safety Act award, this project represents a Tier 2 funding level and requires non-federal cost-matching from the recipient agency to complement the federal contribution.

Funds under this grant award will be used to expand recreational, transient vessel infrastructure at marina puerto chico, located on sardinera BAY in fajardo, puerto rico.improvements for eligible users include the addition of 19 slips, 568 linear feet of side-tie berthing , an aluminum gangway, and associated utilities. The marina serves both local boaters and transient vessels from the U.S. And british virgin islands. However, with increasing demand, the marina has reached full capacity, limiting its ability to accommodate transient vessels. This expansion will enhance the marinas ability to meet increasing demand for recreational, transient vessels while maintaining its reputation as a top-tier boating destination in the caribbean.