Council-Selected Restoration Component 4/28/2021 FPL 3b Grant and Interagency Agreement Application Requirements

Background
The Gulf Coast Ecosystem Restoration Council (Council) is offering funds for activities described in the 2021 Funded Priorities List 3b (2021 FPL 3b) under the Council-Selected Restoration Component of the Resources and Ecosystems Sustainability, Tourist Opportunities, and Revived Economies of the Gulf Coast States Act of 2012 (RESTORE Act). The Council's strategy for achieving a healthy Gulf is founded on the five Comprehensive Plan goals that address habitat, water quality and quantity, coastal and marine resources, community resilience, and the Gulf economy.

Grant Details
The Council has approved 20 activities, including projects and programs, that address ecosystem needs across the Gulf of Mexico. These activities include establishing large-scale programs to address water quality and quantity, habitat acquisition and conservation, coastal resilience, and other ecosystem restoration needs in the Gulf. The grant funding will also support ecosystem restoration in important ecoregions and watersheds, continue funding for private land conservation and ecological restoration on agricultural lands across the Gulf, and support scientific efforts to help build the knowledge needed to advance Gulf restoration.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants are limited to members of the Council or their administrative agents. This includes the governors of the Gulf Coast States of Alabama, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi, and Texas; and the Secretaries of the Departments of Agriculture, the Army, Commerce, Homeland Security, and the Interior; and Administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency.

Period of Performance
The duration of projects and programs under this announcement is anticipated to be three to ten years; however, subject to Council approval projects may have a longer duration. Award start dates will depend on when the applicant submits a complete application. It is anticipated that performance for most awards will be completed by December 31, 2035.

Grant Value
Up to $140,456,250 is available to fund grants and IAAs under this announcement as approved by the Council in the 2021 FPL 3b. These funds are expected to fund 20 projects and programs. Additionally, FPL 3b prioritizes $161,543,750 for activities in Category 2.