Due to a lack of application submissions, the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries (LDWF) is extending the application deadline to accept applications for the Commercial and Charter Vessel Access Grant Program funded through the LDWF 2019 Flood Disaster Grant. The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) allocated funding to Louisiana’s fishing industry to minimize the impacts of widespread freshwater flooding, which affected the state’s saltwater resources.
Following the opening of the Bonnet Carré Spillway in 2019, floodwaters restricted the use of some boat ramps, mooring docks, and fuel docks and created navigational obstacles for fishing vessels. Under the state’s approved disaster spending plan, LDWF will award grants of up to $500,000 to public and private entities to construct new facilities, acquire land, or make improvements that increase public access for saltwater commercial fishing and charter vessels.
The original deadline to submit applications was May 15, 2024. The new deadline to apply for funding will end on May 31, 2024. Interested entities who began an application are encouraged to complete the application process. To access the online application submission form, please visit https://fs30.formsite.com/Jfroeba/pdpzur68ir/index.
Projects funded under this program must be located in a coastal area impacted by the 2019 Flood event and cannot restrict access to the public. Applicants applying for the program must have ownership rights or have a lease/land control agreement for the project. If awarded funding, applicants are responsible for maintaining facilities for a minimum period of 20 years.
A five (5)-member committee will evaluate all submitted applications to determine the most beneficial and cost-effective projects. Each project will be scored based on pre-determined criteria established by LDWF. Projects will be ranked with a priority level and funded according to the assigned rank. LDWF will inform applicants of finalized project selections and award amounts.
For further information regarding program details and application processing, please visit https://www.wlf.louisiana.gov/page/commercial-and-charter-vessel-access-grants or contact LDWF at 225-765-3980.