Region 2 Fiscal Year 2025 Wetland Program Development Grants

Background
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is issuing the Region 2 Fiscal Year 2025 Wetland Program Development Grants (WPDGs) to assist state, Tribal, territory, and local government agencies, as well as interstate or intertribal entities in developing or refining programs that protect, manage, and restore wetlands.

The EPA's wetland program aims to increase the quantity and quality of wetlands in the U.S. by conserving and restoring wetland acreage and improving wetland conditions. The program seeks to enhance the capacity of all levels of government to create effective, comprehensive programs for wetland protection and management through the use of Core Elements of a Wetlands Program and the development of Wetland Program Plans (WPP).

Grant Details
The WPDGs will fund projects that develop or refine state, Tribal, territory, or local government wetland programs. Eligible activities include:
1) Developing or updating a Wetland Program Plan;
2) Carrying out grant-eligible actions from an EPA-approved Wetland Program Plan;
3) Conducting studies or investigations related to wetland mapping and monitoring;
4) Addressing water quality challenges;
5) Expanding research or education on wetland restoration;
6) Developing training materials for decision-makers.

Projects must comply with applicable regulations and demonstrate how they will enhance wetland protection efforts.

Eligibility Requirements
Eligible applicants include Indian Tribes, state and local governments, institutions of higher education (IHEs), interstate agencies, and intertribal consortia. Ineligible applicants include for-profit organizations, federal agencies, and individuals. Applications must demonstrate activities taking place within EPA Region 2 (New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands). Each application must not request more than $300,000.

Period of Performance
The project period for funded awards 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 $1,730,000 with an anticipated number of awards ranging from six to eight.

Place of Performance
The grant activities must take place within states and territories in EPA Region 2 (New Jersey, New York, Puerto Rico, U.S. Virgin Islands) or on Tribal lands located within these states.