The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Wildlife and Sport Fish Restoration Program (WSFR) published The Boating Infrastructure Grant (BIG) Proposed Rule (Amended from March 28, 2012) in the Federal Register, April 25, 2014 at:http://www.gpo.gov/fdsys/pkg/FR-2014-04-25/pdf/2014-08998.pdf.
The comment period for the Proposed rule is 90 days, ending July 24, 2014. The docket number for the BIG rule is: FWS-R9-WSR-2011-0083. To make comments, visit www.regulations.gov and type the docket number in the search box. Follow directions given on the web site.
WSFR encourages comments and gives some guidance/suggestions for making comments: • Read through the entire rule before forming comments.
• Identify the section of the rule or the definition you are commenting on.
• Do not wait until the end of the 90-day comment period to begin reviewing the rule. Use the time to identify areas where you feel your comments can improve the rule and prepare useful responses.
• Make comments to show support as well as to suggest changes. Not everyone agrees on all topics. If WSFR just receives the negative comments, they may consider removing something the majority supports.
• If you do not support something in the rule, give reasons why, and if possible, suggest alternate approaches.
BIG is a competitive program that allows States to apply for grants to install facilities for recreational, transient boaters in vessels 26 feet or longer. BIG receives 2% of the funding available through the Sport Fish Restoration and Boating Trust Fund. For more information on BIG or other WSFR programs, visit http://wsfrprograms.fws.gov/home.html.
If you have any questions regarding the BIG Proposed rule, please contact Lisa Van Alstyne, Fish and Wildlife Administrator, WSFR Branch of Policy at Lisa_Van_Alstyne@fws.gov or 703.358.1942.
