NOAA's Transformational Habitat Restoration and Coastal Resilience Grants Under the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and Inflation Reduction Act

Background
The National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), under the Department of Commerce, are offering grants to support transformational habitat restoration projects that restore marine, estuarine, coastal, or Great Lakes ecosystems. The principal objective is to enhance community and ecosystem resilience to climate hazards. The solicitation is authorized under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (Bipartisan Infrastructure Law) and the Inflation Reduction Act.

Grant Details
The grant prioritizes 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 in tribal, indigenous, and underserved communities, and improve economic vitality. Projects may include planning and assessments, feasibility studies, engineering design and permitting, on-the-ground implementation, pre- and/or post-implementation monitoring, or any combination of phases thereof. The grant encourages cost sharing to encourage partnerships among government, community, industry, and academia.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include institutions of higher education, non-profits, commercial organizations, U.S. territories, and state, local, and tribal governments. Federal agencies or employees of federal agencies are not eligible to receive funds directly but may serve as collaborative project partners. Foreign entities can participate as partners of a prime recipient based in the U.S.

Period of Performance
NOAA encourages a period of performance of up to three years with the potential for up to five years if necessary. The anticipated start date for awards will be October 1, 2024.

Grant Value
NOAA anticipates up to $240 million will be available under this funding opportunity. Typical federal funding for awards will range from $3 million to $6 million over three years. NOAA will not accept proposals with a federal funding request of less than $1 million or more than $25 million total for the entire award.

Place of Performance
Projects must be proposed in coastal, marine, or estuarine areas that benefit species or fisheries outlined within the program priorities. For Great Lakes projects, work must be proposed within one of the eight U.S. Great Lakes states.