Apply for the Operation and Maintenance Grant

The Clean Vessel Assistance Program's Operation and Maintenance Grant is intended for routine replacement items and costs incurred annually and not for major repairs. Grants are provided for up to 75% of eligible costs for: 

• Up to $2,000 for land-based pumpout facilities
• Up to $7,500 for pumpout boats

If major replacement or upgrade of a facility is necessary, please apply through the Construction and Upgrade grant program. 

How to Apply: Read through the eligibility and requirements and then complete the letter of intent at the bottom of this page. The letter should be a one page document indicating the interest in applying for costs incurred during the year. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis. 

Land-Based Stationary or Mobile Facility

• Emptying of the holding tank by a permitted waste hauler (pumpout waste costs only). If the holding tank is used for waste from other sources, these costs will be pro-rated.
• Start-up/placement costs for the season and costs to winterize unit at end of season.
• Costs for routine maintenance and upkeep to the system that are directly related to the pumpout unit itself, such as new hoses, less costly replacement parts, plumbing and/or electrical parts, etc.
• A maximum reimbursement of $500 will be considered for any marina that provides an attendant that is available to assist with pumpout use at least 120 hours per year.

Land-Based Facility that Provides Services to Pumpout Boats

• Any applicant that operates a stationary, land-based pumpout facility and provides support for a
  pumpout boat may be eligible for additional funding.
• An additional $2,250 can be requested if the land-based facility has a holding tank for waste disposal
  and incurs additional costs for waste disposal because they accept offloading waste from a pumpout
  boat, or have other costs directly associated with supporting the operation of the pumpout boat.

For more information, email [email protected].

Pumpout Boat

• Costs for fuel, oil and routine maintenance for a pumpout boat.
• Costs to unwrap boat for the season and to shrink wrap the boat for the winter.
• Unlimited reimbursement will be allowed for personnel costs to provide service from a pumpout boat not to exceed the total reimbursable amount of $7,500.
• Dock fees, if required.
• Costs to offload waste.
• Hepatitis shots for pumpout boat personnel.
• Pumpout boat insurance.

Either Land-Based or Pumpout Boat

• A flat administration reimbursement of $250 will be applied to any facility that submits completed “Pumpout Usage Log” form(s) to EFC with their request for funding. The information on this form will assist NYS in determining usage for long-term planning.
• A facility that charges a fee for pumpout use is required to track fees collected and must report the fees with costs in order to receive funding. The completed “Pumpout Usage Log” may also be used to track this income & is an acceptable proof of receipts.

• No travel expenses will be reimbursed under this contract.
• Cost of dock hand at land based facilities is not an eligible expense due to the variety of tasks the person performs. However, if assistance is given for the use of the pumpout as described above, up to the maximum rate may be claimed.
• Operations and maintenance that is related to anything other than the pumpout facility or which cannot be clearly separated from other expenses.
• Any direct charges for electricity, water, or other routine costs that are of the type supplied to other equipment and operations of the marina.

To be eligible for grant funds, the facility must meet all criteria of the Clean Vessel Act, including:

• The maximum user fee of $5 per pumpout cannot be exceeded unless written approval has been received from EFC.
• Facility must be accessible by the general public and open reasonable hours, determined as a minimum of business hours at least five days per week.
• Rinse water must be provided in close proximity to the pumpout.
• A potty wand must be provided at any facility that does not also provide a dump station. The purpose of the potty wand is to facilitate disposal from portable toilets. Replacement of this part may be claimed as an operations and maintenance expense.

Signs & Flags: Signs and flags must be posted crediting the CVAP Program for the project. These are provided by EFC. Contact EFC at [email protected] if a new sign or flag is required.

Promote Clean Boating: Educational and promotional items may be provided by EFC, New York Sea Grant, not-for-profit entities or municipalities within New York State that promote boater awareness and proper boater sewage disposal. EFC maintains the right to inspect the facility at any reasonable time. All facilities must comply with all permitting and environmental requirements of New York State and local jurisdictions in which they conduct business. If it is determined that the facility is in any way in noncompliance with any Federal, State or local mandates, funding will not be provided through this program. 

Continuous Seasonal Operation: Receipt of grant funding comes with an obligation to make facilities accessible to the general public during reasonable hours and operational during reasonable times throughout the boating season. During the boating season, it is recommended the operator contact EFC if there are periods of down service greater than two days. If EFC receives information indicating that the pumpout has been out of service for an extended period of time, and EFC determines that the operator has not made reasonable efforts to resolve the problem, EFC may deny funding.