The Florida Coastal Management Program (FCMP) announces the availability of funds for activities related to implementation of the statutory authorities included in the federally-approved FCMP. A complete list of these statutes can be found at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/cmp/federal/23_statutes.htm. Funding proposals should contribute to the protection, management and enhancement of Florida’s ocean and coastal resources, and also focus on achieving the policy issues identified in the Coastal Zone Management Act, including: natural resource protection and management; hazard mitigation; water quality protection; siting of major developments; public access; redevelopment of urban, cultural and historic features; expedited governmental decisionmaking; effective coordination with federal agencies; effective public and local government participation; comprehensive planning and management of living marine resources; shoreline erosion and land subsidence; and ocean resource management. Within the context of these established coastal management priorities, there is a current national focus on the effects of climate change; energy use and development; and improving the ability of coastal communities to recover from, and adapt to, both short and long-term changes related to coastal hazards, climate change, resource management, commerce and business, fisheries, public access, and land use.

Priority consideration for funding will be given to proposals that complement other state and federal ocean and coastal resource management programs and meet or reduce unmet needs. Eligible applicants include state agencies and water management districts. Applicants should note the following:

●      Financial assistance is available in the form of reimbursement grants in amounts ranging from $15,000 to $150,000, depending on the availability of federal coastal management funds received from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The FCMP anticipates that grant recipients will not be required to provide non-federal matching funds or services.

●      Rules 62S-4.0045, .0055 and .007(3), F.A.C. describe the procedures for submitting applications and the criteria and procedures by which applications will be evaluated. A copy of the rule may be printed from the FCMP website at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/cmp/grants/files/62S_0407.pdf. There is no specific application form; however, proposals must not exceed 10 pages in length (excluding the cover page).

●      For projects involving construction, exotic species removal, habitat restoration and land acquisition, applicants must include a completed and signed ‘306A Checklist’ with the application. The checklist may be obtained at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/cmp/grants/files/306A_0507.doc.

●      Selected proposals will be included in the FCMP application to NOAA for FY 2009-2010. The funding cycle begins July 1, 2009 and ends June 30, 2010.

●      Applications must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. (EST), November 12, 2008. Mail applications to: FCMP, MS 27, 3900 Commonwealth Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-3000.

Questions regarding this notice should be directed to: Ms. Lynn Griffin at (850)245-2163 or by email to Lynn.Griffin@dep.state.fl.us.