TWRA, Norris Dam Marina Receive Major Grant to Aid in Marina Construction

NASHVILLE --- The Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency, in cooperation with Norris Dam Marina, has been awarded a grant to construct 21 transient slips, restroom, laundry, and shower facilities, and gangway with utilities for transient boaters on Norris Lake.

 

The $357,050 grant is being made available through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) program. The Norris Dam Marina project was one of the 16 projects chosen for the competitive grant as announced by Secretary of the Interior Ken Salazar.

             

“This is one of many projects that TWRA is involved that promotes tourism and increases the economy of the state and local governments,” said Ed Carter, TWRA Executive Director. “We are very pleased to be involved in a project of this magnitude and in cooperation with Norris Dam Marina.”

 

Funding for the BIG program comes from the Sport Fishing and Boating Trust Fund, formerly known as the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund, which is supported by excise taxes on certain fishing and boating equipment and boat fuels.

 

“The Boating Infrastructure Grant program is one of the many ways we support access and provide quality outdoor opportunities for Tennessee’s recreational anglers and boaters,” said Carter. “These projects also support major construction projects, creating jobs and providing much-needed economic benefits.”

 

Boating Infrastructure Grant funds are used to construct, renovate and maintain tie-up facilities with features for transient boats (those staying 10 days or less) that are 26 feet or more in length and used for recreation. The funds are also used to produce and distribute information and educational materials about the program and recreational boating.