State Lands Grants For Pumpouts

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has awarded more than $400,000 in grants to Indiana as part of its Clean Vessel Act program. The money will go toward the construction or renovation of inland and coastal pumpouts to allow for the safe disposal of on-board sewage. 

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management will over see the work on the pumpouts. The Indiana Department of Natural Resources will work to get the word out through social media, online maps of pumpout stations and updated publications.

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is awarded a total of nearly $14 million to 21 states throughout the country. The money will also support boater education programs and the construction of boat ramps, docks and other infrastructure, according to the service.

"CVA funds are critical to ensuring our nation’s waterways remain safe, healthy and viable for all Americans – including the fish, birds and other wildlife that call these lush and vibrant ecosystems home," said Dan Ashe, director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. "By working with state fish and wildlife agencies and other partners, we are continuing to protect our country’s aquatic ecosystems for generations to come."

The service says funding for the operation and maintenance of existing pumpouts for boaters in Indiana will continue.