The Coastal Management Assistance Grant program is a competitive annual grant opportunity offered through the Ohio Coastal Management Program. Grants can be issued to eligible entities for water quality improvement, coastal planning, education programs, land acquisition, research, public access, habitat restoration, and other purposes. More than $6 million in Coastal Management Assistance Grants have been awarded for 146 projects in Ohio since the program began in 1998.
Funding Availability
Funding is provided through the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in the U.S. Department of Commerce. Approximately $300,000 to $500,000 total is available for projects annually. Applications should request $50,000 to $150,000 in federal funds.
A minimum 1:1 non-federal match is required, and other federal funds cannot be used for match. Funds are provided on a reimbursement basis.
Eligible Applicants
Eligible recipients include units of local government (municipalities, townships, counties, school districts, park districts, port authorities, etc.), state agencies, academic institutions, and 501(c)(3) non-profit corporations.
Timeframes
Preproposals are typically due in September/October for funding beginning no earlier than July 1 of the following year. Specific dates are available by mid-August each year.
Eligible Project Types
Eligible Uses of Funds
- Feasibility studies and engineering reports for enhancing coastal resources
- Protection/enhancement of wetlands, dunes, and other coastal habitat
- Habitat enhancement using dredge material
- Increased public access to Lake Erie and its tributaries
- Protection of historical and cultural coastal resources
- Redevelopment of deteriorating or underutilized waterfronts and ports
- Other purposes approved by the Director of ODNR
Ineligible Uses of Funds
- Restroom facilities
- Erosion control structures
- Beach nourishment
- Maintenance activities
- Active recreation facilities, such as ball fields, etc.
- Parking lots or roads
- Water or sewer lines
- Activities required as a permit condition or mitigation
- Construction on private property
- Construction or acquisition outside the designated Coastal Area
- Other uses that are deemed ineligible
