FY 2021 Clean Vessel Act (CVA) | F21AS00153

Opportunity Information: Apply for F21AS00153

The FY 2021 Clean Vessel Act (CVA) grant opportunity (Funding Opportunity Number F21AS00153) is a discretionary grant program administered by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service under CFDA 15.616. It is rooted in the Clean Vessel Act of 1992 (codified at 33 U.S.C. 1322), which amended the Dingell-Johnson Sport Fish Restoration Act (also known as the Wallop-Breaux Act, 16 U.S.C. 777). The core purpose of the program is to reduce pollution from recreational boating by supporting practical, on-the-ground infrastructure and outreach that helps boaters properly dispose of sewage and related waste.

Funding through this program is intended to help eligible jurisdictions build out and sustain the facilities that make responsible waste disposal possible and convenient at marinas and boating access points. Specifically, CVA funds can be used to construct and renovate pumpout stations and other waste reception facilities, as well as to operate and maintain those facilities once they are in place. In addition to infrastructure, the program also supports boater education and outreach efforts that inform the public about why pumpouts matter, where facilities are located, and how to use them. The overall emphasis is on improving environmental conditions in U.S. waters by preventing improper discharge and encouraging routine use of pumpout and waste reception services.

Eligibility for this opportunity is limited to state-level applicants: the 50 U.S. states, the District of Columbia, and U.S. commonwealths and territories. In other words, the grants are designed to flow through government entities that can plan and manage statewide or territory-wide programs, coordinate with local marinas and facility operators, and ensure long-term availability and usability of the funded infrastructure. The award instrument is a grant, and the funding activity category is listed as Natural Resources, reflecting the program's focus on protecting water quality and aquatic ecosystems while supporting recreational boating.

For FY 2021, the opportunity listed an award ceiling of up to $1,500,000. The opportunity was created on July 23, 2020, and the original closing date for applications was November 23, 2020. While the summary information does not specify the expected number of awards, the program is structured to provide funding across eligible states and territories in alignment with statutory authority and annual appropriations. The program has continued through subsequent reauthorizations, indicating an ongoing federal commitment to improving recreational vessel waste management infrastructure and related public education.

Additional program details and guidance are referenced through the Fish and Wildlife Service’s Clean Vessel Act program page at http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/Subpages/GrantPrograms/CVA/CVA.htm, which is typically where applicants and stakeholders can find program rules, allowable cost guidance, and background on how the CVA program is administered.

• The Fish and Wildlife Service in the natural resources sector is offering a public funding opportunity titled "FY 2021 Clean Vessel Act (CVA)" and is now available to receive applicants.
• Interested and eligible applicants and submit their applications by referencing the CFDA number(s): 15.616.
• This funding opportunity was created on 2020-07-23.
• Applicants must submit their applications by 2020-11-23. (Agency may still review applications by suitable applicants for the remaining/unused allocated funding in 2026.)
• Each selected applicant is eligible to receive up to $1,500,000.00 in funding.
• Eligible applicants include: State governments.

Apply for F21AS00153

[Watch] Creating a grant proposal using the step-by-step wizard inside the applicant portal: