Federal Grant Award Summary

The Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game, Division of Marine Fisheries, received a $1,647,614 Project Grant award from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Department of the Interior) under the Clean Vessel Act (CVA) program (CFDA 15.616), effective July 1, 2026, through June 30, 2029. The grant supports the expansion and sustainment of no-cost sewage pumpout services across Massachusetts' 1,500 miles of navigable rivers and coastline. Primary deliverables include installation of new pumpout infrastructure and replacement of aging equipment at participating marinas, yacht clubs, and public waterway access points; provision of operational and maintenance funding to facility operators; and comprehensive public education and outreach initiatives targeting boat owners, operators, marina owners, retailers, and governmental entities regarding Clean Vessel Act program benefits and proper use of pumpout facilities.

The award builds upon an established public-private partnership comprising over 100 members—including municipalities, marinas, yacht clubs, and nonprofits—that has historically diverted over 10 million gallons of marine sanitation waste to proper sewage treatment facilities. The grant directly supports Massachusetts' state-waters 100 percent no-discharge zone designation and responds to increased demand for pumpout infrastructure and expanded coastal coverage resulting from successful prior outreach efforts. Continued program implementation is expected to enhance water quality protection, sustain boating community engagement with Clean Vessel Act requirements, and maintain Massachusetts' leadership in marine environmental stewardship through coordinated federal, state, and local partnership efforts.