Limit the amount of waste potentially entering the waters of the state by recreational vessels

The Department of the Interior Fish and Wildlife Service Region 5 awarded $293,620 to the Vermont Department of Fish & Wildlife on January 1, 2026, under the Clean Vessel Act (CFDA 15.616) program to limit waste from recreational vessels entering Vermont waters through December 31, 2028.

The recipient will conduct outreach to boaters regarding pumpout facility locations, usage methods, and benefits through signage and boating applications. The award funds construction of new pumpout stations accessible to the boating public and covers operation and maintenance costs for existing pumpout systems at marinas that provide free pumpouts to boaters. The program aims to preserve and improve water quality while reducing financial barriers to proper wastewater disposal for both recreational boaters and marina operators.

Performance occurs in Vermont. The Clean Vessel Act program funds construction, renovation, operation, and maintenance of sewage pumpout stations and waste reception facilities for recreational boaters, with funding derived from excise taxes on motorboat fuel, electric motors, fishing equipment, and import duties on fishing tackle and yachts deposited into the Sport Fish Restoration Trust Fund. All facilities constructed, operated, or maintained with program funds must remain accessible to the public throughout their useful life and must display signage visible to boaters on the water.

Activities performed will include outreach to boaters about the where, why, and how to use a pumpout through signage and boating apps as well as funding new pumpouts easily accessible to the boating public. For marinas, funds will be allocated for the operation and maintenance of their pumpout system so long as they provide free pumpouts to boaters. The expected outcomes include preserving and improving water quality through outreach, pumpout maintenance and new development of facilities as well as reducing financial barriers to properly disposing of wastewater for boaters and marinas.