Bristol Secures $1.5 Million Federal Grant For Boat Dock Expansion

Bristol Borough has secured $1.5 million in federal funding to expand its boat docks along the Delaware River, officials confirmed this week.

The borough was awarded the maximum allowable amount through the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service’s Boating Infrastructure Grant program. The program is administered by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

“The $1.5 million was the maximum we were allowed to ask for and we were awarded the maximum amount,” said Amanda Fuller, an engineer for the borough.

Fuller said the application process required roughly six to 10 months of legwork and coordination with government agencies.

The expansion plan includes the construction of a new dock extending from the opposite side of the existing fixed pier on the riverfront. However, Fuller noted that the project must still navigate a complex regulatory framework.

“There’s a lot involved with putting anything out in the Delaware River,” Fuller said at Monday evening’s council meeting.

Current regulations remain a point of contention in the borough, which has a long maritime history.

Last year, the borough installed signage restricting dock use to recreational vessels over 26 feet in length to comply with past grant requirements.

The issue gained attention and required the borough putting up the signs after a complaint to regulators regarding smaller boats and tall ships docking in the town.

Officials confirmed that the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service and the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission are currently unwilling to grant waivers for other vessels.

“We have discussed it with Fish and Boat and with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. They’re not interested in granting a waiver at this point,” Fuller said. She added that while there may be opportunities for future discussions, the restrictions from previous grants will apply to the new funding.

The borough is also seeking additional revenue streams for the waterfront.

Council President Ralph DiGuiseppe said the borough has applied for an additional $1 million through the state’s Local Share Account grant program, which is overseen by the Department of Community and Economic Development.

The docks originally opened in 2017 and have since become a centerpiece for community events and economic growth in the central business district.