U.S. Senators Collins, King Announce Clean Water Protection Grant

Washington, DC – U.S. Senators Susan Collins and Angus King announced today that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will be awarding the state of Maine $355,930 in funding under the Clean Vessel Act grant program to promote clean water and recreational boating.

The Maine Department of Environmental Protection plans to use the investment to install or upgrade ten pumpout stations and provide an operation and maintenance stipend to pumpout vessels and stationary facilities. These stations help to reduce pollution from boat sewage and ensure its proper disposal. The State also proposes to review and update the Education and Outreach Plan, as well as develop and distribute educational materials to boaters and boating facilities about the proper way to utilize pumpout stations and dispose of boat sewage.

“The success of our economy in Maine depends upon the protection of clean, safe waterways. This funding will enable the Maine Department of Environmental Protection to continue their work to preserve marine environments across Maine,” the Senators said in a joint statement.

This program is funded annually from the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust fund. These funds are generated through the collection of fishing tackle manufacturer excise taxes, and boat and fishing import duties, as well as motorboat and small engine fuel taxes.