Funds under this grant award will be used for the management and construction of recreational vessel sewage reception facilities to safely dispose of recreational boater sewage in arkansas

The Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 4 awarded the Arkansas Department of Health $798,367.67 on January 1, 2026, under the Clean Vessel Act (CFDA 15.616) to manage and construct recreational vessel sewage reception facilities across Arkansas.

The award funds installation and operation of pump out stations and waste reception facilities to safely dispose of recreational boater sewage at marinas on impounded lakes and navigable streams. The Arkansas Marine Sanitation Act of 2003 mandates that marinas located more than eight miles from an existing pump out facility must install fixed or mobile pump out systems. The project addresses heightened demand for accessible pump out services at public, private, and community docks, strengthening Arkansas's capacity to meet marine sanitation needs, safeguard water quality, and support sustainable aquatic recreation. The Governor's Marine Sanitation Advisory Committee has provided strategic guidance for identifying statewide marine sanitation facility needs.

Performance occurs in Arkansas with a period of performance from January 1, 2026, through December 31, 2027. The Clean Vessel Act program funds States and Territories for construction, renovation, operation, and maintenance of sewage pumpout stations and waste reception facilities using revenues collected from excise taxes on motorboat fuel and fishing equipment deposited into the Sport Fish Restoration Trust Fund. Facilities constructed, operated, or maintained with CVA funds must be accessible to the public throughout their useful life and display visible signage to boaters on the water.

Objectives include improving and maintaining arkansas marine sanitation infrastructure ensuring that all marinas on impounded lakes and navigable streams have access to pump out facilities. The arkansas marine sanitation act 1774 of 2003 mandates that marinas located more than eight miles from an existing pump out facility must install a fixed or mobile pump out system to manage marine sewage aligning with federal standards. The governors marine sanitation advisory committee fully supports this program and has provided strategic guidance for identifying and addressing statewide needs for marine sanitation facilities. Arkansas has seen a heightened demand for accessible pump out services for public private and community docks and these proposed improvements will further strengthen the capacity of arkansas to meet marine sanitation needs, safeguard water quality, and support sustainable aquatic recreation.