Funding offered for coast, wetland projects

A new grant program offers financial assistance to county-led or supported projects for wetland, stream and coastal habitat restoration.

The Coastal Counties Restoration Initiative is jointly offered by the National Association of Counties, National Fish and Wildlife Foundation, and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Community-based Restoration Program.

"Our nation's coastal environment provides tremendous ecological and economic benefits. Many counties are struggling to restore these resources that have been damaged by human neglect and numerous natural disasters," said Bill Hansell, National Association of Counties president.

Grants will be awarded for $25,000 to $100,000. Community-based projects that partner with NOAA, which is providing major funding, will be given special consideration.

"NOAA is very interested in taking an ecosystem approach to addressing marine and coastal management issues, and we know that partnering with community-based organizations will be key to our success," said Bill Hogarth, director of NOAA Fisheries Service.

The deadline for application is Feb. 24, and grants will be awarded in mid-May. For more information, visit www.nfwf.org/programs/ccri.cfm.