The grant program supports transformational habitat restoration projects aimed at restoring marine, estuarine, coastal, or Great Lakes ecosystems. Projects must employ habitat-based approaches that enhance both ecosystem and community resilience to climate hazards, such as storms, flooding, and erosion. The program emphasizes restoring habitats that strengthen ecosystem resilience, rebuild sustainable fisheries, and contribute to the recovery of threatened and endangered species under NOAA jurisdiction. Additionally, this initiative prioritizes projects that promote economic vitality, foster regional habitat restoration, and engage tribal, indigenous, and underserved communities as active stewards of natural resources. Up to 15% of the available funding is designated for Indian tribes and Native American organizations. This program aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s Justice40 Initiative, ensuring that at least 40% of the benefits flow to disadvantaged communities.

Eligible uses of the funding include habitat restoration activities that contribute to sustaining productive fisheries, enhancing community resilience to climate hazards, fostering regionally important habitat restoration, and providing benefits to tribal, indigenous, and underserved communities. Examples of eligible projects include the recovery of species listed under the Endangered Species Act, sustaining fish stocks managed under the Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act, and improving habitats for recreational and subsistence fishing. Projects must demonstrate alignment with comprehensive planning documents such as watershed or resilience plans and should emphasize meaningful engagement with tribal and underserved communities to ensure benefits flow back to the communities involved. Activities that incorporate co-benefits, such as economic growth, public revitalization, and increased access to natural resources, will also be considered.

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Federal Agency: Department of Commerce

Category: Request