BBEDC has expanded its vessel upgrade assistance program to include deck and fish hold improvements in addition to hold insulation, and increased to $10,000 the maximum grant amount available to resident fishers

Previously the grant was limited to $5,500 and could only be used for hold insulation.

A further provision allows residents to use the grant together with an Alaska state commercial fishing loan to purchase and install chilling systems, net reels and do other kinds of vessel upgrades.

The changes are part of BBEDC’s continuing effort to increase the fishing income of resident fishers by encouraging chilling and better handling of salmon. Although the grants are a one time opportunity for resident fishers, those who received a previous grant of up to $5,500 can still apply for the balance for future vessel upgrades -- up to a total of $10,000 -- by meeting all the requirements of the grant program.

Skipper Marion Burgraff of King Salmon insulated the holds of his salmon gillnetter Lauren K with help from BBEDC.

BBEDC vessel upgrade grants can now be used for fish hold and deck improvements. Flush decks such as the one pictured below are seen by some fish companies, including BBEDC partner Ocean Beauty Seafoods, as contributing to better fish quality.

In addition to verified residency in one of BBEDC's 17 CDQ communities, applicants must present documented proof of ownership of the vessel they intend to upgrade, and either own an Alaska Commetrcial Fishery Entry Commission permit or show proof of a contract with a CFEC permit holder with whom they intend to fish.

Applicants must provide a detailed description of the boat and the work to be done that includes photos before the work begins, a materials list, work schedule and cost estimate. Grantees can do the work themselves or contract the work to a third party. Costs in excess of the grant amount are the responsibility of the boat owner.

Boat owners planning to do the work themselves must demonstrate that they have the necessary skills, and document all expenses. Third party contractors must sign the grant agreement and agree to its terms.

No BBEDC funds will be paid out until after the job is complete, and vessel owners should not begin the work with any expectation of funding until they receive a signed vessel upgrade contract from BBEDC.

Combining a BBEDC grant with a state loan requires an applicant to apply for an Alaska Commercial Fishing Loan in one of several specific categores: Engine Fuel Efficiency Upgrades, Product Quality Improvement Upgrades and Vessel Improvements. Although state commercial fishing loans are available for other purposes such as buying boats and gear, loans for those purposes cannot be combined with BBEDC grant funds.

Interested resident boat owners should begin by verifying that their BBEDC community residency is current, completing a Chilling Products Application -- available online at www.bbedc.com, from community liaisons or from BBEDC’s Dillingham office -- and compiling the required vessel ownership and permit documents. Here is a detailed check list:

Fishing Vessel Upgrade Grant Requirements
(These documents and materials need to be provided to BBEDC in
order to apply for a vessel upgrade quality improvement grant)

1. Verified residency in a BBEDC community. Download An Application
   
   
2. A completed Chilling Products Application
   
   
3. Proof of vessel ownership.
   
   
4. Proof of ownership of an Alaska Commercial Fisheries Entry Commission permit
   or a contract to fish with a BBEDC resident CFEC permit holder.
   
   
5. A detailed description of the vessel and work to be done complete with a material list, cost estimate and time frame for completion. Work plan must describe how
   the project will contribute to improved fish quality.
   
   
6. Photographs of the vessel before the work has begun.

Work must be completed within one year of receiving a contract signed by BBEDC's Regional Fisheries Coordinator.

In order to receive payment, copies of all invoices for materials and labor must be presented to BBEDC along with photographs of the completed project.

For more information contact your BBEDC community liaison, or BBEDC Regional Fisheries Coordinator Fritz Johnson by email (fritz@bbedc.com) or by phone at 842-6407 or 1-866-796-6407.

Download a Chilling Products Application

Download A Residency Affadavit

Chilling Products Page