04-15-2008, 12:52 AM
SANDUSKY, OH - Communities within Ohio's Lake Erie Watershed that are seeking to acquire land for preservation and recreation can apply for up to $3 million per project in federal grants through the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP). The program is administered in the state through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Office of Coastal Management.
Municipalities, park districts and other public entities can submit applications until 5 p.m. on Monday, June 16. Sites of high-quality ecological, conservation, recreational, historical or aesthetic value will be top contenders for funding. Sites within Ohio's designated Coastal Management Area will be given highest priority, followed by sites in coastal counties and then other sites in the Lake Erie watershed. Applicants need to provide at least 50 percent of the total project cost as match.
The program was established to protect important coastal and estuarine lands nationwide that are threatened by development. Application materials can be found at ohiodnr.com by selecting "Grants" or by contacting Ohio's CELCP Coordinator Sandra Kosek-Sills at 419-626-7980.
Up to three Ohio projects will be referred to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for ranking and final consideration. Funding will come in the federal fiscal year 2009 budget bill, with money available in June 2009. Ohio has been awarded more than $20 million for projects since the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program began in 2002. Additional information about the Program can be found at: www.coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/land/welcome.html.
Municipalities, park districts and other public entities can submit applications until 5 p.m. on Monday, June 16. Sites of high-quality ecological, conservation, recreational, historical or aesthetic value will be top contenders for funding. Sites within Ohio's designated Coastal Management Area will be given highest priority, followed by sites in coastal counties and then other sites in the Lake Erie watershed. Applicants need to provide at least 50 percent of the total project cost as match.
The program was established to protect important coastal and estuarine lands nationwide that are threatened by development. Application materials can be found at ohiodnr.com by selecting "Grants" or by contacting Ohio's CELCP Coordinator Sandra Kosek-Sills at 419-626-7980.
Up to three Ohio projects will be referred to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for ranking and final consideration. Funding will come in the federal fiscal year 2009 budget bill, with money available in June 2009. Ohio has been awarded more than $20 million for projects since the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program began in 2002. Additional information about the Program can be found at: www.coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/land/welcome.html.