Congressman Chris Smith today announced that a U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) of $807,051 has been approved for a new dock in Brick Township.

"BIG is an especially useful grant for local communities because the funding comes from the marina industry itself and goes back to support expansions and safety improvements for the marina industry in our community," Smith (NJ-04) said. “Fishing and boating are a ‘BIG’ part of the Jersey Shore economy. Construction, of course, also supports local jobs. Winning this competitive grant is good news for both businesses and boaters.”

The New Jersey Department of Transportation, in cooperation with the Township of Brick, will receive $807,051 and be required to match that amount with $482,722 to improve existing docking facilities for boaters visiting the Trader’s Cove Marina in Brick. The project will include a handicap accessibility lift and associated land support facilities.

Brick Mayor Stephen Acropolis said the project will be a compliment to the town’s existing marine facilities.

“This grant will help us continue to move forward in making Trader’s Cove Marina and Park one of the premier municipal waterfront facilities in Ocean County,” said Mayor Acropolis.  “I am thrilled to learn that we got it. I thank Congressman Smith for his efforts in helping us secure this funding.”

Smith, whose district includes Shore areas in Ocean and Monmouth Counties, said the federal funds come from the Sport Fishing and Boating Trust Fund which is supported by user fees on certain fishing and boating equipment and boat fuels. BIG funds are used to construct, renovate and maintain tie-up facilities for transient boats (boats staying up to 10 days) and used for recreation. The funds are also used to produce and distribute information and educational materials about the program and recreational boating.

Smith was a cosponsor of Public Law 105-178, which passed Congress in 1998 and created the BIG Program.

The USFWS, part of the U.S. Department of the Interior, awarded $12 million in competitive grants to ten states for 13 boating infrastructure projects, including Brick’s project.