NOTICE OF AVAILABILITY OF FLORIDA COASTAL MANAGEMENT PROGRAM FUNDS FOR STATE AGENCIES AND WATER MANAGEMENT DISTRICTS

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 decision-making; 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, the current national focus is 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. State agencies and water management districts may apply for the grants. Applicants should note the following:

• Financial assistance is available in the form of reimbursement grants in amounts ranging from $20,000 to $150,000, depending on the availability of federal coastal management funds received from the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Although the FCMP anticipates that grant recipients will not be required to provide non-federal matching funds or services, the application budget should include matching funds in the event FCMP matching funds are not available for FY 10-11.
• Chapter 62S-5, F.A.C., describes 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-5.pdf. No specific application form is required, but 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-chklist.doc.
• Selected proposals will be included in the FCMP application to NOAA for FY 2010-11. The funding cycle begins July 1, 2010, and ends June 30, 2011.
• Applications must be received no later than 4:00 p.m. (EST), November 19, 2009. Mail applications to: Florida Coastal Management Program, 3900 Commonwealth Blvd., MS 47, Tallahassee, FL 32399-3000.

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