Strengthening local transient boating

Palmetto Bay Marina is honored to recently receive the “BIG (Boating Infrastructure Grant)” Tier II Transient Dock Grant of $1,500,000.

SCDNR (South Carolina Department of Natural Resources) applies for BIG funding in partnership with SC marinas to help develop transient boater access in the state.  Palmetto Bay Marina recently competed against 18 other proposals at a national level, and successfully brought that federal funding home to Hilton Head Island. 

“We are ecstatic and see this grant as a way to help boost the local economy by bringing in transient boaters,” says Kuy Scott, Managing Partner, Palmetto Bay Marina. “Our location off the ICW (Intracoastal Waterway) makes Palmetto Bay Marina an ideal destination for transient boaters. We’ll be able to accommodate large transient yachts due to our long linear docks, deep water (22 ft. at low tide), and 3 phase power.”

The eastern side of the marina, which houses the commercial operation – water sports, charter tours, and Carefree Boat Club and Freedom Boat Club – was redone last year, with new docks, top-notch electrical and sewage pumps and dual 10,000-gallon fuel tanks added.

South Carolina, A boater’s Paradise

South Carolina is a huge destination along the Intracoastal Waterway making SC the third highest coastal state in registered boats. Recreational boating provides $1.6 billion annually in direct spending with an overall economic impact to the state of $3.47 billion annually. In other words, boating in South Carolina is definitely a big deal. Add an increasingly popular destination like Hilton Head Island to the mix, and you have a true boater’s paradise.

Kuy Scott says, “Some of the best local seafood and drinks can be found here on property like Carolina Crab Company, Black Marlin Bayside Grill, and brilliant sunrise breakfasts from Palmetto Bay Sunrise Cafe.”

South Carolina has a huge need to provide more infrastructure to meet the demand of transient boaters. This year, SC had a total of 3 projects awarded totaling $4.5 million in Tier II federal funding out of a total amount of $13,627,395. 

The 4 Main Goals of (BIG) Boating Infrastructure Grant

Benefits for Transient Boaters

Provide benefits for Transient Boaters (the stakeholders) who pay taxes on motorboat fuel, fishing equipment, and outboard motors.  The BIG program funds infrastructure to provide safe harborage at locations where transient boaters want to be, but where there is currently limited access.

Strengthen Local Boating Communities

Strengthen local boating communities and economic benefits of recreational boating.  We cite National Marine Manufacturer Association in their statement that boating provides 3.74 billion in economic impact in SC every year.

Create Public-Private Partnerships

Create public-private partnerships between SCDNR, local municipalities, and marinas.

Protect the Environment

Protect the environment by providing safe secure facilities for transient boaters.  BIG facilities provide sanitary pumpouts, and are scored in part on the integration of new and resilient technologies, and the demonstrated environmental stewardship of the facility.

A special thanks to Nicholas Wallover, BIG/CVA Program Coordinator, SC Department of Natural Resources.

The BIG Program provides funding through competitive grants for the development and maintenance of boating infrastructure facilities in South Carolina for transient (15 day visit or less), non-trailerable (26 feet or more in length) recreational (operated primarily for pleasure; or leased, rented, or chartered to another for the latter's pleasure ) vessels. This grant program is only available to assist with the transient portion of a facility, but the facility must allow reasonable access to all recreational vessels.

Boating Infrastructure Grant PDF