The principal objective of this solicitation is to support transformational projects that restore marine, estuarine, coastal, or Great Lakes ecosystems, using approaches that enhance community and ecosystem resilience to climate hazards. Funding will prioritize habitat restoration actions that: demonstrate significant impacts; rebuild productive and sustainable fisheries; contribute to the recovery and conservation of threatened and endangered species; promote climate-resilient ecosystems, especially in tribal or underserved communities; and improve economic vitality, including local employment. This solicitation is authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Public Law 117-58), 135 STAT. 1356 (Nov. 15, 2021).
This funding opportunity seeks projects that enhance coastal resilience. Coastal areas support the nation’s largest and often fastest-growing population centers, as well as key natural assets. Strengthening coastal resilience means preparing and adapting coastal communities to mitigate the impacts of, and more quickly recover after, extreme events such as hurricanes, coastal storms, flooding, and sea level rise. Habitat restoration and natural and nature-based infrastructure are critical to doing so, by protecting lives and property; sustaining commercial, recreational, and subsistence fishing; recovering threatened and endangered species; and maintaining and fostering vibrant coastal economies. This funding opportunity – along with other opportunities for the National Oceans and Security Fund, Coastal Zone Management, National Estuarine Research Reserves, and Coastal Habitat Restoration and Resilience in Underserved Communities – aims to fund projects that support the overarching goal of enhancing coastal resilience. This funding opportunity focuses on high-value, transformative projects that advance resilience and support habitat restoration.
Applicants should address the following set of program priorities: 1) sustaining productive fisheries and strengthening ecosystem resilience; 2) fostering regionally important habitat restoration; 3) enhancing community resilience to climate hazards and providing other cobenefits; and 4) providing benefit to underserved communities, including through partnerships with tribes. This solicitation will fund projects that demonstrate high priority and transformative potential within the geographic region where restoration actions are proposed.
Deadline: Sep. 6, 2022
Eligible applicants are institutions of higher education, non-profits, commercial (for profit) organizations, U.S. territories, and state, local, and Native American tribal governments. Applications from federal agencies or employees of federal agencies will not be considered. Federal agencies and employees are not allowed to receive funds under this solicitation, but may serve as collaborative project partners.
NOAA anticipates up to $85 million will be available under this solicitation in FY22. NOAA anticipates typical federal funding for awards will range from $3 million to $8 million over three years. NOAA will not accept proposals with a federal funding request of less than $1 million or more than $15 million over the entire award period. NOAA may choose to combine funding available in FY22 and FY23 for this opportunity. If combined, the total amount available will be up to $170 million. This decision will be solely at NOAA’s discretion, but will be based on the timing of the award process, and funding needs as expressed through the number of applications received and amount of funds requested.
