If Your Project is Approved for Funding
If the application is approved for funding through the U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service (USFWS), the following procedure will be used:
- A formal application for agreement will be prepared and submitted to the USFWS. The Division of Watercraft will coordinate this effort; the grant recipient will assist as needed. This application will include more specific information about the project. Issues including community need, project objectives, expected results and benefits, approach, future income, environmental consequences, and historic preservation, will be addressed. Please be advised that this process will take anywhere from a few to many months, depending on project conditions.
- Once the formal application for agreement has been approved by the USFWS, the ODNR will enter into a formal project agreement with the USFWS. The agreement period may be up to three years.
- Upon receipt of the ODNR/USFWS signed agreement, a formal agreement will be drafted by ODNR. The Chief of the Division of Watercraft, the Director of the Department of Natural Resources, and the BIG Program grant recipient must sign this formal grant agreement.
- ODNR will forward an original agreement to the applicant with a letter of authorization to proceed with the project. The applicant can then begin construction, etc. at their convenience.
NOTE: Most project costs incurred prior to Federal approval and formal agreement between ODNR and the grant recipient are not eligible for reimbursement. It is imperative that NO construction or purchases commence prior to written approval from ODNR. Certain pre-agreement costs such as design and archeological surveys may be eligible for reimbursement if and only if a project is selected for funding.
Permit Requirements
The applicant is required to secure all local and state permits required for the project. This may include building and zoning permits, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permits, a submerged land lease from ODNR, and EPA permits, among others. Permits are not required prior to making application for a grant, but will be required before construction begins.
Project Acknowledgement
A permanent sign acknowledging the Sport Fish Restoration Program is required for all projects. ODNR will provide a sign for this acknowledgment.
Post Construction, Operation and Maintenance
Any facility that is developed with assistance from the Boating Infrastructure Grant Program and the Division of Watercraft shall be operated and maintained in accordance with all provisions of the grant agreement (see sample). The facility will be operated so as to appear attractive and inviting to the public and shall be kept safe for public use.
Discrimination Prohibited
The applicant/recipient agrees that no person shall, on the basis of race, sex, religion, age, color, any disability as defined in the Americans with Disabilities Act, national origin or familial status, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subject to discrimination under any program or activity for which the applicant/recipient receives financial assistance from ODNR Division of Watercraft or U.S. Fish & Wildlife Service.
Liability
The grant recipient agrees to defend and hold the state free from liability in case of claim or suit arising from the construction, operation, or maintenance of this project.
Program Income
Any fees collected by the Cooperating Agency are subject to the provisions of 43 CFR 12.65 “Program Income.” The State will notify the Cooperating Agency by letter of the date when the Cooperating Agency is authorized to collect fees approved in Paragraph 12 (A). Fees collected by the Cooperating Agency prior to the date authorized by the State will be deducted from any reimbursement request submitted to the State by the Cooperating Agency. The amount of fees deducted will be the same percentage as the amount reimbursed in Paragraph 4 of the cooperative agreement.
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