Introduction
The federal Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA) provides funding assistance to states with approved Coastal Management Programs for the purpose of program implementation and administration. Pursuant to the Georgia Coastal Management Program, the Department of Natural Resources' Coastal Resources Division contributes approximately 60% of Georgia's CZMA administrative allocation to eligible entities as "Coastal Incentive Grants." Designed to fund projects that further the mission of the Coastal Management Program, Coastal Incentive Grants allow regional and local coastal issues to be defined and addressed creatively and proactively at the grass-roots level.
Eligible grant applicants include county and municipal governments, state agencies, and government-affiliated educational and research institutions. The Coastal Advisory Council establishes annual funding "themes." An independent review committee evaluates and scores proposals according to review criteria specified in the Request For Proposals.
Eligibility
Coastal Incentive Grant applicants must meet the following Minimum Eligibility Requirements: Only Georgia Qualified Local Governments (counties and municipalities approved by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs) in the eleven-county coastal area, Georgia state government agencies (except DNR), and Georgia educational and research institutions are eligible for Coastal Incentive Grant awards. Applications from other parties will be considered if, and only if sponsored by an eligible entity. Awards will be made only to eligible entities.
Match Requirements
Grant applicants must match funds requested through the Coastal Incentive Grant Program. Match may be either cash or "in-kind service(s)." Generally, funds from other federal agencies may not be used as match. The required match ratio is 1:1 for all projects.
The federal Coastal Zone Management Act predetermines match requirements.
Funding Priority
The Coastal Advisory Council adopts annual funding priorities, or themes. Greatest consideration will be given to funding proposals that are theme-related. All proposals will be accepted and competitively ranked if they 1) propose research or project activities related to the theme, or 2) are deemed by a local government to be a project of "Critical Local Need."
Funding amounts available: $100,000 (theme-related); $50,000 (construction); and $25,000 (demonstrated Critical Local Need.)
For the upcoming RFP Cycle XIII, funding themes include: (1) Directed Project - Marsh Wrack Study, (2) Coastal Water Resources Conservation and Management; (3) Coastal Habitats/Natural Resource Protection and Restoration; (4) Coastal Hazards (man-made and natural)/Resilient Communities; (5) Improve Public Access to Coastal Resources; (6) Sustainable Community Development ; and (7) Eco/Heritage Resources.
Request for Proposal is now available with projects to begin October 1, 2010. DEADLINE FOR APPLICATIONS: JANUARY 15, 2010, 3:00 P.M.
Informational meetings are scheduled for the following locations:
Brunswick - Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Brunswick-Glynn County Library
208 Gloucester Street
Brunswick, GA 31520
912-267-1212
10:00 am 12:00 noon
Savannah - Thursday, October 22, 2009
The Metropolitan Planning Commission
Arthur A. Mendosa Hearing Room
110 East State Street
Savannah, Georgia
912-651-1440
10:00 am - 12 noon
If you have questions about the Coastal Incentive Grant Program, contact Susan Reeves at (912) 264-7224.