FWS’ Coastal Program funds the planning, design, and implementation of flood adaptation projects that also support coastal habitat conservation. These projects can include culvert retrofits, stream channel improvements, wetland restoration, revegetation, and living shorelines.
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Does not require a cost share or matching funds |
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Allows in-kind services to contribute toward nonfederal cost share requirements |
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Supports nature-based solutions |
Application cycle: September 29, 2023 – December 31, 2024
Summary: Communities concerned with habitat conservation and its benefits related to flood mitigation might consider the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (FWS) Coastal Program. The Coastal Program provides technical and financial assistance through cooperative agreements with coastal communities, conservation partners, and landowners to restore and protect fish and wildlife habitats on public and private lands.
Eligible applicants: City, township, special district, county, or state governments; nonprofit and for-profit organizations; small businesses; independent school districts; public and state controlled institutions of higher education; private institutions of higher education; public housing and Indian housing authorities; Native American tribal organizations; Native American tribal governments; individuals.
Funding amount: Up to $500,000.
Cost share: Cost sharing is encouraged but not required, although FWS strives to achieve a cost-share ratio of 50% federal / 50% nonfederal.
Eligible activities: Technical and financial assistance for habitat conservation planning; design and project implementation activities to deliver habitat conservation in coastal watersheds on both public and private lands; and technical and financial assistance for third-party land acquisitions to protect habitats. To support the Department of the Interior’s financial assistance priorities, some Coastal Program projects include culvert retrofits; stream channel improvements; the removal of tidal restrictions and low-head dams and levees; wetland restoration; living shorelines; streambank stabilizations; dune restoration; revegetation; fencing; the construction of berms; and the installation of water control structures.
Application process:
