National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2026

The National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) is a program that aims to protect and conserve estuarine areas in the United States and its territories. The program provides funding for land acquisition and construction projects that support the NERRS mission. The funding will be used to strengthen protection of key land and water areas, enhance long-term protection of Reserve areas for research and education, and provide for facility and exhibit construction activities that meet the highest sustainable design standards possible. Some key points about this opportunity include: • The program anticipates approximately $8.5 million in funding for Fiscal Year 2026. • The funding will be used to support 5-20 construction, acquisition, and/or planning & design projects. • Project periods are expected to range from 12-36 months. • Acquisition or construction projects have a $3,000,000 federal funding cap, while stand-alone planning and design projects have a $500,000 federal funding cap. • Eligible applicants are lead state agencies or universities designated to receive NERRS operations funding through a Memorandum of Understanding with NOAA in coastal states and territories.