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Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance

Program Descriptions

15.614:  Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act

Popular Name:  National Coastal Wetlands Conservation Grants

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

PROGRAM AND AWARD	FINANCIAL AND INFORMATION CONTACTS
ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS	FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFO.
APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS	INFORMATION CONTACTS
RELATED PROGRAMS	ASSISTANCE CONSIDERATIONS
PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS	POST ASSISTANCE REQUIREMENTS

15.614 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:  Participation limited only to States, territories, or Commonwealths as designated in the applicant eligibility section.

Credentials/Documentation:  Costs will be 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.

15.614 APPLICATION AND AWARD PROCESS:

Preapplication 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.

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

Deadlines:  States must submit proposals by June 8 of each year.

Range of Approval/Disapproval Time:  About 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.

Criteria for Selecting Proposals:  Project 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.

Examples of Funded Projects:  Restore wetlands under State ownership; acquire new wetlands.

Range and Average of Financial Assistance:  $90,247 to $1,000,000; $494,806.

15.614 RELATED PROGRAMS:

• 15.605 Sport Fish Restoration;
• 15.611 Wildlife Restoration;
• 15.615 Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation;
• 15.618 Administrative Grants for Federal Aid in Sport Fish and Wildlife Restoration.

15.614 PROGRAM ACCOMPLISHMENTS:

15.614 FINANCIAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE INFO:

Federal Agency:  U.S. FISH AND WILDLIFE SERVICE, DEPARTMENT OF THE INTERIOR

Type of Assistance:  Project Grants.

Obligations:  (Grants) FY 98 $10,266,122; FY 99 est $9,439,000; and FY 00 est $11,269,000.

Budget Account Number:  14-8151-0-7-303.

Authorization:  Coastal Wetlands Planning, Protection and Restoration Act, Section 305, Title III, Public Law 101-646, 16 U.S.C. 3954.

Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature:  Draft guidelines have been prepared and are under Departmental review prior to publication in the Federal Register. Federal Aid Handbook; Federal Aid in Fish and Wildlife Restoration Annual Report (limited number available at no cost).

15.614 INFO 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. Phone: (703) 358-2156. Use the same number for FTS.

(See Appendix IV for more contact info.)

15.614 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.

Uses and Use Restrictions:  Funds are used for acquisition of interests in coastal lands or waters, and for restoration, enhancement or management of coastal wetlands ecosystems on a competitive basis with all coastal States. Proposed projects must provide for long term conservation of such lands or waters and the hydrology, water quality, and fish and wildlife dependent thereon.

15.614 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 subgrantees 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.

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.