Our Spring 2009 solicitation has closed. We received a number of proposals from the Great Lakes to the Gulf and Atlantic to the Pacific. We appreciate the interest expressed in this program and the efforts of those that submitted applications. Applicants will be informed of the results of the proposal review in the Fall of 2009.
Solicitations for project proposals have generally been issued annually but the time of year may vary. State, local and tribal governments as well as nongovernmental organizations may submit proposals. Proposals from for-profit entities will not be considered unless the entity is submitting on behalf of a governmental or nongovernmental organization. The Non-Federal interest submitting a proposal must provide assurances that it has adequate interest in the lands, easements, and rights-of way required for the project, adequate qualified personnel, funding and authority to enter an agreement for implementation of the proposed project.
Proposed projects must meet the definition of an Estuary Habitat Restoration Activity in section 103 of the Estuary Restoration Act, as amended. In addition Section 104 of the Estuary Restoration Act, as amended, contains considerable information about required elements and other factors to be considered in the evaluation of proposals.
The Non-Federal interests are responsible for at least 35 percent of the total project cost including the costs of monitoring for a five year post-construction period. This may be provided in cash, credit for required real estate interests, services or other appropriate in-kind contributions. The Federal share of the incremental cost of including innovative technology or approaches is 85 percent.
Monitoring is required for a minimum five year period post-construction.
Projects with a Federal cost of under $1,000,000 may be implemented by any one of the agencies/departments represented on the Estuary Habitat Restoration Council if that agency has funds, is interested, and the project is recommended for funding. The amount requested in the proposal will be the amount provided for any project selected for funding and needs to include agency costs. Applicants should contact the appropriate U.S. Army Corps of Engineers District to discuss agency costs prior to submission of a proposal, even if another agency may ultimately implement the project.