Annapolis, MD – According to the Maryland Department of Natural Resources, the department announced on April 3, 2026, that it is accepting applications from marinas for grants aimed at supporting the operations and maintenance of marine sewage pumpout stations. This initiative is designed to ensure that recreational boaters have access to reliable facilities for disposing of vessel sewage, thereby preventing contamination of Maryland’s waterways, including the vital Chesapeake Bay.
The Marine Sewage Pumpout Grant program reimburses marinas for essential expenses such as repairs, replacement parts, and staff time dedicated to maintaining these critical stations. Pumpout stations offer boaters a legal and environmentally responsible method to handle sewage waste, which is crucial for upholding water quality standards across the state. By facilitating the proper disposal of sewage, these stations play a key role in broader efforts to reduce nutrient pollution that can lead to harmful algal blooms and degrade aquatic habitats in the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries.
This grant program aligns with Maryland’s ongoing commitment to conservation and pollution prevention. The department emphasized that supporting the installation and operation of pumpout stations is an integral part of the strategy to lower nutrient levels in the bay, protecting ecosystems and supporting the fishing and boating industries that depend on clean waters. For instance, a pumpout station at Skipjack Cove Marina in Georgetown serves as an example of how these facilities operate in practice, providing convenient services to boaters while safeguarding local waterways.
Funding for the program comes from a combination of federal and state sources. Seventy-five percent of the grants are provided by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service through the Clean Vessel Act, while the remaining 25 percent is sourced from Maryland’s Waterway Improvement Fund. These funds are generated through various contributions from the boating community, including federal excise taxes on fishing equipment, motorboat and small engine fuels, and import duties. Additionally, Maryland boat owners contribute via the state’s excise tax paid when titling vessels.
Marina operators interested in applying for these grants can access the application form directly on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources Boating website. The deadline for submissions is April 15, 2026, giving marinas a short window to prepare and submit their requests for reimbursement. For further details or assistance, operators are encouraged to contact the Pumpout Grant Program Manager at pumpout.grants@dnr.maryland.gov or by phone at 410-260-8772.
This program underscores the collaborative effort between government agencies and the maritime sector to promote sustainable practices on the water. By maintaining functional pumpout infrastructure, Maryland continues to address water quality challenges and preserve the health of its iconic bay for future generations. As boating season approaches, these grants will help ensure that marinas are equipped to handle increased traffic while minimizing environmental impacts from vessel sewage.
In a statistical highlight from the program’s structure, the 75-25 funding split demonstrates a strong federal-state partnership in environmental protection. An example of the program’s reach is evident in facilities like the one at Skipjack Cove Marina, which exemplifies how targeted maintenance can sustain long-term boat sewage management efforts. For more information, visit Maryland Department of Natural Resources.