The project purpose is to further develop transient docking access in the cape charles harbor by constructing a new transient facility

The Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service awarded $4,999,608 to the Virginia State Board of Health (Office of Emergency Preparedness) on October 9, 2025, under the Sportfishing and Boating Safety Act (CFDA 15.622) to construct transient recreational boating infrastructure in Cape Charles, Virginia. The project deliverables include construction of a 1,122-linear-foot floating transient boat dock with 35 slips equipped with utilities, two gangways, a bathhouse facility, a fuel station, and shoreline improvements featuring stone revetments. The initiative is scheduled for completion by October 8, 2028.

The project is designed to increase transient mooring capacity and fuel services in the Cape Charles area, enabling larger recreational vessels (26 feet or greater) to access extended stays while supporting regional economic development and tourism. By expanding transient docking access and shore-based amenities, the facility will enhance boater access to town attractions including outdoor recreation, dining, shopping, and entertainment venues. The Boating Infrastructure Grants program funds these facilities through excise taxes on motorboat fuel and fishing equipment deposited into the Sport Fish Restoration Trust Fund, supporting public access to recreational boating infrastructure across eligible states and territories.

Activities to be performed are the construction of a 1,122 linear foot floating transient boat dock, 35-transient slips with utilities, 2-gangways, 1-bathhouse, fuel station, and shoreline improvements with stone revetments. Deliverables and expected outcomes are to increase the availability of transient slips in the area, provide larger mooring areas for transient vessels, and increase fuel service for the area. Intended beneficiaries will have increased transient mooring in the area to allow for easier access to all the town amenities, from outdoor recreation such as the shore rail trail to various bars, shopping, restaurants, beaches, and parks. Through the development of transient access and expansion, the town of cape charles will be poised for greater tourism and revitalization, thus making the town and region more attractive to transient boaters and visitors alike. The results of this project will also ensure the continued economic prosperity of cape charles.