CRMC Seeks Proposals for Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program

September 26, 2013 WAKEFIELD – The Rhode Island Coastal Resources Management Council is seeking proposals for the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP), administered the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The deadline for submitting proposals to CRMC is October 25, 2013.

The program was established by NOAA in 2002 to protect coastal and estuarine lands considered important for their ecological, conservation, recreational, historical or aesthetic values. The CELCP program provides state and local governments with matching funds to purchase lands or conservation easements, which are permanently protected. Federal funds awarded under this program must be matched with non-Federal funds at a ratio of 1:1. Non-Federal matching funds may be derived from state, local, non-governmental or private sources in the form of cash or in-kind contributions. 

Proposals received by the CRMC will be evaluated according to state and federal program criteria, and no more than two will be selected. Typical awards are expected to range between $100,000 and $1,000,000. Although government and non-government groups may partner in a project, under CELCP guidelines, only the following entities are eligible to receive funding and hold title to purchased lands: 

• Rhode island Department of Environmental Management
• Any of the 21 coastal municipalities within the RI CELCP boundary 

For more information on the Rhode Island CELCP application process and criteria download the Rhode Island Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Plan or contact Caitlin Chaffee at CRMC at cchaffee@crmc.ri.gov. For more information on the federal CELCP process and national criteria, go to http://coast.noaa.gov/czm/landconservation/applying/