The Recreation and Conservation Office (RCO) is a small state agency that manages grant programs to create outdoor recreation opportunities, protect the best of the state’s wildlife habitat and working farms and forests, and help return salmon and orcas from near extinction.
The Boating Facilities Program was established in 1964 to enhance the accessibility and quality of facilities for motorized boats and other watercraft. This includes funding for the acquisition, development, and renovation of boating facilities like launching ramps, guest moorage, and supportive infrastructure such as parking and restrooms. Grants are awarded biennially, sourced from a portion of gasoline taxes paid by boaters. They support a wide array of projects with funding amounts up to $1 million for acquisition, development, or a combination thereof, and up to $200,000 or 20% of estimated construction costs for planning projects. The program requires matching contributions from applicants, specific conditions apply based on the nature of the applicant (local agencies, state applicants, tribes).