Funding available for estuary habitat restoration projects

WASHINGTON, DC, Jan. 20, 2010 -- The Estuary Habitat Restoration Council is soliciting project proposals for estuary habitat restoration projects. The Council is seeking projects that achieve cost-effective restoration while promoting partnerships among agencies and between public and private sectors. Projects will be evaluated for their support of the Estuary Habitat Restoration Strategy. Eligible habitat restoration activities may include, but are not limited to:

• Improvement of estuarine wetland tidal exchange or reestablishment of historic hydrology
• Dam or berm removal
• Improvement or reestablishment of fish passage
• Appropriate reef/substrate/habitat creation
• Planting of native estuarine wetland and submerged aquatic vegetation
• Reintroduction of native species
• Control of invasive species
• Establishment of riparian buffer zones in the estuary.

The deadline for applications is March 16, 2010. For more information on how to apply, visit http://era.noaa.gov/information/funding.html.

Prior to submitting a proposal, applicants should read the information carefully as it provides guidance on application requirements and reviewer evaluation. The final list of selected projects is anticipated to be announced in June 2010; proposed schedules should be prepared accordingly.

NOAA and the Corps anticipate that approximately $2.5 million will be available to support this effort. If you have questions, contact Jenni Wallace at [email protected] or 301-713-0174.

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