Waterways Improvement Fund (WIF) FY2028

The purpose of the WIF monies is for the protection and promotion of safety, waterways improvement, creation and improvement of parking areas for boating purposes, making and improving boat ramps and moorings, marking of waterways, search and rescue and all things incident to such purposes including the purchase of real and personal property.

Minimum match required is 5% of the total project cost. Motorized equipment requires a 20% match (15% may be trade-in value of other equipment with a minimum 5% cash) per unit. Please consult with your regional grant specialist for detail on appropriate eligible match information.

The Waterways Improvement Fund (WIF) was created by legislation (Senate Bill 256) in 1963. The WIF is funded annually with a portion of the total state gas tax revenues. The total amount of WIF grant funds approved in any one county may not exceed fifty percent (50%) of the total WIF grant funds approved for statewide distribution in a state fiscal year. The applications will be approved up to the 50% funding level according to their ranking order.

Per state statute, capital improvement projects require a signature from the county waterways committee chair. Applications are not eligible without the proper signed form attached. Please contact your IDPR representative for more information. 57-1501 - Provided that no such improvements shall be constructed in any county of this state without the approval of the county waterway committee of the plans for such improvements.

Governmental agencies or Native American Tribes only. The funding is intended for publicly owned and operated areas for boating purposes.

Guidance and training available on the IDPR website.