The Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Program supports the development of safe, accessible, and environmentally sound boating facilities for transient recreational boaters in vessels 26 feet or longer. The program provides funding for the construction, renovation, and maintenance of public and private tie-up facilities that are open to the public.
Funded by the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service through the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund, this nationally competitive program helps strengthen coastal access and support local economies throughout North Carolina.
Since 2002, the BIG Program in North Carolina was administered by the Division of Marine Fisheries. The program is now transitioning to the Division of Coastal Management (DCM), which was recently awarded federal funding to further develop and implement the program.
DCM anticipates accepting new grant applications in Summer 2026. Please check back for updates, resources, and opportunities to apply.
Funding is available to public and private entities, including local governments, marinas, and other boating facilities located within North Carolina’s 20 coastal counties.
To qualify, facilities must provide transient tie-up opportunities—defined as stays of 15 consecutive days or fewer—for recreational vessels 26 feet or more in length and be open to the public.
Projects eligible for Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) funding include:
Construction, renovation, or maintenance of boating infrastructure tie-up facilities designed exclusively for transient recreational vessels that are 26 feet or more in length
Information and educational materials directly related to BIG or BIG-funded facilities, such as:
Nautical charts
Cruising guides
Informational brochures
All facilities must be open to the public and serve the needs of transient boaters.
U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service - Boating Infrastructure Grant Program
Learn more about the national BIG Program, funding structure, eligibility criteria, and examples of funded projects across the country.
2025 U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service Notice of Funding - Tier I and Tier II
Although the 2025 funding cycle is now closed, the core program requirements and application structure remain largely the same each year. This notice is a helpful reference for understanding future opportunities.
For questions about the BIG Program contact NCBIG@deq.nc.gov
For grants issued prior to 2022 please contact the N.C. Division of Marine Fisheries