FY 2025 Region 4 Wetlands Program

Background
The FY 2025 Region 4 Wetlands Program Development Grants (WPDGs) are administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to assist state, Tribal, territory, and local government agencies in developing or refining programs that protect, manage, and restore wetlands. The EPA's mission is to increase the quantity and quality of wetlands in the U.S. through conservation and restoration efforts. The program aims to enhance the capacity of governments at all levels to implement effective wetland protection and management strategies using the Core Elements of a Wetlands Program.

Grant Details
The WPDGs will support projects that develop or refine comprehensive wetland programs. Eligible activities include:
1) Developing or updating a Wetland Program Plan (WPP);
2) Carrying out grant-eligible actions from an EPA-approved WPP;
3) Conducting wetland mapping and monitoring projects;
4) Addressing water quality challenges;
5) Expanding research and education on wetland restoration;
6) Developing training materials for decision-makers;
7) Engaging communities in wetland use for recreational and cultural purposes. Projects must comply with applicable regulations and demonstrate how they will contribute to increasing wetland quantity and quality.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include Indian Tribes, state and local governments, institutions of higher education, interstate agencies, intertribal consortia, and local governments that are agencies of a state. Applications must demonstrate activities taking place within EPA Region 4 (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee). Applicants must also show how their project will develop or refine a state or Tribal wetland program according to specific tracks outlined in the grant announcement.

Period of Performance
The period of performance for funded projects is expected to range from one to four years but not exceed five years.

Grant Value
The total funding available for this grant opportunity is approximately $3,946,000. Individual grant awards are anticipated to range from $200,000 to $600,000 depending on various factors including application quality and agency priorities.

Place of Performance
Projects must be conducted within states or territories in EPA Region 4 (Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee), including Tribal lands located within those states.