Grant Targets Coastal Counties

NACo’s Coastal Counties Restoration Initiative (CCRI) program is now accepting grant applications for its 2008 funding round. The deadline for applications is March 24.
CCRI, a partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s (NOAA) Community-Based Restoration Program (CRP), provides financial assistance on a competitive basis to innovative, high quality, county-led or supported projects.
In 2008, the initiative will provide $500,000 in grants to improve stream, river, estuarine and other important marine habitats. Grants will range, based upon need, from $50,000-$100,000.
Grant applications that are community-based and indicate a willingness to work in partnership with NOAA will be given special consideration. A priority area for CCRI is the removal of fish passage barriers in coastal streams and rivers.
The Coastal Counties Restoration Initiative encourages innovative county projects that restore important marine and coastal habitats.
It also develops the capacity of county governments, citizens groups and other organizations to conduct community-based restoration that will enhance local watershed-based resource management and promote stewardship.
“NOAA, in partnership with the National Association of Counties, helps restore coastal and river habitat for fish, shellfish, birds and other animals.
“This work improves the environment and benefits the economies of local communities,” said Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., NOAA administrator and undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere.
For more information and to access the full RFP and application instructions, visit www.naco.org/ccri, call 202-942-4246, or e-mail ccri@naco.org.