The Fish and Wildlife Service is currently accepting applications for the 2005 National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant program. Approximately $14 million of funds will be available for this grant program in the coming year.
"This grant program provides an excellent opportunity for our partners to conserve coastal wetlands around the country" said Service Director Steve Williams. "The National Coastal Wetlands Conservation program has helped conserve nearly 170,000 acres of wetland resources along the Nation's coasts. These wetlands provide habitat for a great many fish and wildlife species and offer hunting and fishing opportunities for sportsmen and women."
National Coastal Wetlands Conservation grants are awarded to the states through a competitive process. The program is funded by the 1990 Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act. Funding for the program is generated from excise taxes on fishing equipment and motorboat and small engine fuels. These taxes are deposited into the Sport Fish Restoration Account of the Aquatic Resources Trust Fund (commonly called Wallop-Breaux after its Congressional sponsors).
This year, the program is the first Service grant fund to accept proposals electronically through grants.gov">. The grants.gov"> website is a cross-agency E-Government initiative, spanning 900 federal financial assistance programs and $350 billion in annual awards.
To date, 24 States and 1 Territory have participated in the National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grant Program since its inception.
Proposals are being accepted through June 21, 2004. For additional information, please contact Sally Valdes at 703-358-2231 or Brian Bohnsack at 703-358-2156.
