PROVIDENCE – The R.I. Department of Environmental Management is now accepting applications for grants to build, retrofit, replace or maintain marine pumpout facilities.
The program is an attempt to further reduce sewage in Rhode Island waters, by making it convenient for boaters to properly discharge their sewage. The state currently has 11 pumpout boats and 48 shoreside facilities, the DEM said.
The grants – for public and private marinas, yacht clubs and municipalities – require a 25-percent match. They are available in amounts of up to $56,250 for pumpout grants and up to $15,000 for land-based facilities.
The DEM already has awarded $600,000 in grants, using money provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, under the federal Clean Vessel Act.
The application deadline for the current round of grants is May 9. The DEM expects to announce the winners by mid-June.
Applications and additional information are available at www.dem.ri.gov, by clicking on Topics, then Sewage Treatment, then Marine Pumpouts.
