Division of Boating and Waterways Shoreline Erosion Control Grant Program

The California State Parks Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) offers funding through two coastal protection programs: the Shoreline Erosion Control Program and the Public Beach Restoration Program. Both initiatives support public agencies in implementing coastal restoration and stabilization projects across California, aiming to mitigate erosion and preserve public beach access. These programs align with California's broader environmental conservation and coastal infrastructure efforts and are governed by specific sections of the Harbors and Navigation Code. The Shoreline Erosion Control Program focuses on structural solutions, funding up to 50 percent of nonfederal costs for planning and constructing erosion control or shoreline stabilization projects, including seawalls and similar hard infrastructure. In contrast, the Public Beach Restoration Program supports the engineered placement of sand on beaches or nearshore environments, covering up to 85 percent of nonfederal costs at non-state beaches. Despite their utility, these programs lack a dedicated state funding source, and grant approvals depend on the state’s annual budget process. Therefore, funding is not guaranteed each year, and only projects offering significant and cost-effective benefits are advanced for full application. The grant process follows a two-step procedure beginning with a Letter of Intent (LOI), which must be submitted by 5:00 PM on December 15, 2025, to casey.caldwell@parks.ca.gov. This step helps DBW assess the viability of proposed projects and informs programmatic planning. Only those applicants whose projects demonstrate strong potential will be invited to submit a full application. The deadline for full applications, submitted through DBW’s Online Grant Application (OLGA) system, is 5:00 PM on February 2, 2026. Instructions for accessing OLGA are shared with invited applicants. Evaluations for these programs occur within California’s budget-making process. After submission, full applications are reviewed confidentially. Applicants are notified upon receipt of their applications and may be contacted for additional information. Grant recommendations may appear in the Governor’s budget released in January 2027, with final decisions expected in June 2027. If approved, grant agreements are generally issued several months post-budget finalization. Eligible applicants include public agencies within California. There is no minimum or maximum grant amount specified, though previous awards have ranged from $40,000 to $11.5 million depending on project type and scope. Matching funds may include pre-approved in-kind services such as personnel time and direct material costs. For more information, contact Casey Caldwell at (916) 902-8824 or via email at casey.caldwell@parks.ca.gov.

Proposals with strong cost-effectiveness and significant statewide benefit are prioritized; ensure project impact is clearly articulated.