Description
The National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program provides competitive matching grants to eligible State, Commonwealth, and Territory agencies for the acquisition, restoration, and enhancement of coastal wetlands. The program aims to conserve and manage fish and wildlife and their habitats for the use and enjoyment of current and future generations. Eligible projects include the acquisition of real property interests, restoration, enhancement, or management of coastal wetlands ecosystems, and a combination of these activities. The program has a primary goal of long-term conservation of coastal wetland ecosystems and is funded by revenues collected from excise taxes on sport fishing equipment and other sources.
Key aspects of the program include:
• Eligible applicants: State agencies or entities designated as eligible by the Governor of a coastal State
• Eligible activities: Acquisition, restoration, enhancement, or management of coastal wetlands ecosystems
• Ineligible activities: Projects that primarily benefit navigation, irrigation, flood control, or mariculture, among others
• Award amount: Approximately $22 million available for grants in FY 2021, with awards ranging from $125,000 to $1,000,000
• Matching requirements: A minimum of 25% non-Federal cost share required for most projects
• Application requirements: Project summary, project statement, budget form, budget narrative, and other supporting documents