Funding for coastal and marine habitat restoration projects is available under the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, and a competitive application process is underway. The emphasis is on "shovel-ready" projects that involve regionally or nationally significant species and ecosystems. Habitat restoration projects that are funded through NOAA provide social and economic benefits for people and their communities, in addition to long-term ecological habitat improvements. NOAA anticipates that up to $170 million may be available for coastal and marine habitat restoration; typical awards are expected to range between $1.5 million and $10 million.
The deadline for applications is April 6, 2009. Interested persons should read the full text of the Federal Register notice at
http://edocket.access.gpo.gov/2009/E9-4801.htm Questions may be directed to Craig.Woolcott@noaa.gov or Melanie.Gange@noaa.gov.
