FEDERAL AGENCY:

FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

AUTHORIZATION:

Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act, Section 305, Title III, Public Law 101-646, 16 U.S.C. 3951-3956.

To grant funds to coastal States to carry out coastal wetlands conservation projects.

TYPES OF ASSISTANCE:

Project Grants. Place Cursor Here for Definition

ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS:

Applicant Eligibility:   Available to all States bordering on the Atlantic, Gulf (except Louisiana), and Pacific coasts, States bordering the Great Lakes, Puerto Rico, the Virgin Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, the Trust Territories of the Pacific Islands, and American Samoa.

Beneficiary Eligibility:   States, territories, or Commonwealths as designated in the applicant eligibility section.

Credentials/Documentation:   Allowable costs are determined in accordance with 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart C, "Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments." Section 12.62 (of the common rule) identifies Federal cost principles for determining allowable costs (OMB Circulars A-87 and A-122).

Pre-application Coordination:   The standard application forms furnished by the Federal agency and required by 43 CFR Part 12, Subpart C, "Uniform Administrative Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local Governments," must be used for this program. Environmental assessment is required where actions will significantly affect the human environment. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.

Application Procedure:   Participating States will submit an application for Federal assistance, a statement of assurances, and a narrative description of the project.

Award Procedure:   The Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service will select projects to be funded based on established criteria.

Deadlines:   Deadline for State proposals is the first week in June. The Service will provide details to the State fish and wildlife agencies in April.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:   Approximately 120 days.

Appeals:   Differences of opinion about substantiality of proposals are considered by the Regional Directors. Final determination rests with the Director of the Fish and Wildlife Service.

Renewals:   Funding of projects selected for multiple-year financing is contingent on the availability of funds in future fiscal years.

ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS:

Formula and Matching Requirements:   The Federal share of project costs is not to exceed 50 percent; except that the Federal share may be increased to 75 percent if a coastal State has established a trust fund for the purpose of acquiring coastal wetlands, other natural areas, or open spaces.

Length and Time Phasing of Assistance:   Projects normally funded through annual segments.

POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS:

Reports:   A Performance Report is required for each annual segment within 90 days after the end of the segment.

Audits:   For awards made under this Program, grantees and sub-grantees are responsible for obtaining audits in accordance with the Single Audit Act Amendments of 1996 (31 U.S.C. 7501 et seq.), and OMB Circular A-133. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133 (Revised, June 24, 1997), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend financial assistance of $300,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $300,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular No. A-133. They are also subject to Program- specific audits contracted by the Fish and Wildlife Service.

Records:   Cost records must be maintained separately for each project. Records, accounts, and supporting documents must be retained for three years after submission of final request for reimbursement.

FINANCIAL INFORMATION:

Account Identification:   14-8151-0-7-303.

Obligations:   (Grants) FY 01 $11,284,119; FY 02 est $13,040,459; and FY 03 est $12,420,459.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:  
$138,875 to $1,000,000; Average: $681,730.

In fiscal year 2000, Coastal Wetland grants restored 1,437 acres of wetlands and acquired 4,492 acres of wetlands. In fiscal year 2001, Coastal Wetland grants restored 3,932 acres of wetlands and acquired 6,862 acres of wetlands. In fiscal year 2002, Coastal Wetland Grants will restore 619 acres of wetlands and acquire 27,581 acres of wetlands.

REGULATIONS, GUIDELINES, AND LITERATURE:

Proposed regulations were published in the Federal Register August 20, 2001.

INFORMATION CONTACTS:

Regional or Local Office:   See Catalog Appendix IV for addresses.

Headquarters Office:   Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior, Washington, DC 20240. Contact: Chief, Division of Federal Aid. Telephone: (703) 358-2156 or Chief, Division of Fish and Wildlife Management and Habitat Restoration. Telephone: (703) 358-1718.

Web Site Address:   HTTP://www.fa.r9.fws.gov

EXAMPLES OF FUNDED PROJECTS:

Restore wetlands under State ownership; acquire new wetlands.

CRITERIA FOR SELECTING PROPOSALS:

The project proposal must be submitted by the State agency having responsibility for acquisition of interests in coastal lands or waters, and for the restoration, management, or enhancement of coastal wetlands ecosystems. Purpose of the project must be consistent with the purpose and conditions of the Act.