From 90.5 WESA

The Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission awarded more than $200,000 in grants on July 18 to support 19 educational projects across the state.

It is part of the Commission’s R3 grant program, which aims to recruit, retain and reactivate Pennsylvania’s boating and fishing population. The program reimburses qualified organizations up to $25,000 for expenses on programs that promote interest in fishing and boating.

Two Allegheny County organizations will receive the grant: Steel City Rowing Club for its rowing fleet revitalization program and Venture Outdoors for its “Vamos Afuera” program.

Read more

Mike Parker, communications director for the commission, said the R3 grant is the commission’s way of expanding its reach and making an impact at the local level. He also said the commission wants to make fishing and boating more accessible and welcoming to underrepresented communities.

“We want people to know that there is plenty of space on the water, that everyone is welcome and that we have people ready to help them,” Parker said.

Organizations like Venture Outdoors, Parker said, offer people the opportunity to try fishing and boating for free or at a low cost. This removes barriers for people who don’t have their own equipment. It also gives new boaters and anglers the opportunity to find a mentor.

“That’s really the key: giving people access to someone who can speak to them on their level, in their community and on the waters they want to use,” Mike said. “Teach them some skills, loan them the equipment so they don’t have to make that investment, and then let them decide for themselves whether or not they want to get back into this hobby.”

Projects funded with the R3 grant must be completed by June 30, 2025.

Jibe and tack: Young people learn to sail on Pittsburgh’s rivers