Statewide Waterway Access Grant (SWAG)

POWR Statewide Waterway Access Grant (SWAG) Program
Instructions & Guidelines

General Information
The Statewide Waterway Access Grant (SWAG) mini grant program is being offered by the Pennsylvania Organization for Watersheds and Rivers (POWR), in partnership and with funding support from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission (PFBC) and the PA Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR). (PA DCNR funding is provided through the Environmental Stewardship Fund administered by the Bureau of Recreation and Conservation).
This program will provide grants of up to $30,000 for design and engineering, construction, or upgrade and rehabilitation of non-motorized public access projects throughout the Commonwealth. Priority will be given to projects that improve recreational access on waterways as well as those that support and advance POWR’s mission, specifically the facilitation, stewardship, and enjoyment of Pennsylvania’s waterways.

Eligibility
 

• Grants are available to public entities, including townships, boroughs, municipal and county governments as well as to 501c3 nonprofit groups who are registered with the PA Department of State Bureau of Charitable Organization. (i.e., land trusts, conservancies, water trail managers, and community watershed associations) that have or will have the capability to provide boat access facilities that are open and available for public use.
• Eligible projects must occur on lands owned by the project applicant, or where the applicant has a long-term lease or agreement on the site.
• Projects must remain open to the public and free of charge for 25 years (successful grantees will be required to sign a 25-year maintenance agreement).

Funding and Match
The program is funded through the PFBC and PA DCNR. All projects, related costs and funding must conform to the guidelines of the PFBC, PA DCNR and POWR. All grants require a one-to-one match (match can consist of cash, in-kind, or a combination of cash and in-kind).

Additional Requirements
 

• Applicants must agree to provide for all costs for ordinary and routine maintenance of the facility for the term of the agreement.
• Applicants, dependent on type of project, may be required to provide a sign that acknowledges that the facility was constructed or improved with funds from this program. (Language will be provided)
• Applicants must obtain all the necessary permits and local land use approvals required for the construction and operation of the proposed facility.

Questions
 

• For content questions about this application, contact Janet Sweeney, POWR, jsweeney@pecpa.org
• For technical questions regarding completion of this application, contact support@submittable.com Monday-Friday, 11:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. with limited availability on the weekends.
• For additional information on POWR, visit www.pawatersheds.org

Completing the Application
It is possible to complete the application during multiple sessions. Be sure to save as you go and before you end any session. Please answer all questions and upload all necessary and supporting documentation before your final submission.

Important Dates
Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis and awarded on a rolling basis. All projects must be ready to go and be completed within a 12 - 18-month timeframe or they will not be considered. There will be no extensions.

Applications will be evaluated based on the following:
 

• Project integrates/reflects/ implements initiatives of existing community plans.
• Project advances one or more of POWR’s priorities as listed on application.
• Project is clearly described, complete, and well thought out.
• Project can be completed in a year or less.
• Budget is comprehensive and realistic to complete project.
• Match is secured and documented with letters of commitment of match.
• Support letters are included in application and indicate need and partnering efforts.

*Note: It is possible to receive additional bonus points if you show that your project addresses a unique or extraordinary need within your community.