The state’s Maine Coastal Program is seeking applications for a new round of coastal grants for fiscal year 2017. The grants are for municipal and regional projects in Maine’s coastal zone.
The two types of available grants are Coastal Communities Grants and Shore and Harbor Management Grants. Funding for these technical assistance grants originates from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as well as the Submerged Lands Program within the Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry.
The Coastal Communities grants have a maximum award of $100,000, while the Shore and Harbor grant have a maximum award of $30,000. Those eligible to apply include communities in Maine’s coastal zone; groups of towns in Maine’s coastal zone; coastal regional planning commissions; and coastal councils of government.
Grant applications are due Thursday, May 12.
Project eligible for Coastal Communities Grant Program must be designed to improve water quality, increase resiliency and adaptation to erosion and flooding, conserve coastal habitat, promote sustainable development, and enhance the coastal-dependent economy while preserving natural coastal resources. This program is designed to address the following goals of the Maine Coastal Program:
• ensuring sustainable, vibrant coastal communities
• addressing the effects of land use activity on water quality
• restoring coastal habitats
• preparing for coastal storms, erosion and flooding, coastal hazards
Shore and Harbor Planning Grants will be awarded to projects that promote sound waterfront planning and harbor management; balanced development of shore and harbor areas; advance planning for waterfront infrastructure improvements; and access to the shore.
Funds may be used for development of plans for waterfront, harbor and mooring areas; development of regulatory and non-regulatory approaches to waterfront conservation and improvement; development of planning studies for public and working access; development of plans and designs for harbor improvements; and development of management plans for municipal waterfront facilities.
Created in 1978, the Maine Coastal Program is a federal, state, local partnership under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 and one of 34 coastal programs nationwide.
More information is available at: maine.gov/dacf/municipalplanning/financial_assistance.shtml
More information about the Maine Coastal Program can be found at:
maine.gov/dacf/mcp/.
