The Bipartisan Infrastructure Law established both the PROTECT Formula and Discretionary Grant Programs. The PROTECT Discretionary Grants Program funds projects on a competitive basis that address the climate crisis by … Read more
The United States Fish and Wildlife Service’s National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program provides eligible state agencies with grants up to $1 million to fund projects that protect and restore valuable coastal wetland resources. The program is funded by revenues collected from taxes on sportfishing equipment, electric motors and sonar, import duties on fishing tackle, yachts and pleasure boats, and a portion of the gas tax attributable to motorboats.
Eligible Uses
This program provides funding to state agencies or entities designated as eligible by the Governor of a coastal state.
- Acquisition of a real property interest (e.g., conservation easement or fee title) in coastal lands or waters (coastal wetlands ecosystems) from willing sellers or partners for long‐term conservation
- Restoration, enhancement, or management of coastal wetlands ecosystems
- A combination of acquisition, restoration, enhancement, and management
Eligible Recipients
Eligible coastal states include states bordering the Great Lakes, the Atlantic, Gulf (except Louisiana as provided in the Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection, and Restoration Act), and Pacific coasts.
Approx Annual Funding Amount
The program is funded at $18,000,000.
Cost Share Requirements
There is a 50% federal, 50% non-federal match (non-federal match can be reduced to 25% if a state has a land conservation program) required.
Application Cycle
Applications typically come out in the spring or summer.
