The California Division of Boating and Waterways (DBW) is accepting grant applications for two coastal protection programs: the Shoreline Erosion Control Program and the Public Beach Restoration Program, which support local agencies in managing and mitigating coastal erosion and restoring public beaches. Below is an overview of the application process and program details:
Grant Programs Overview
Shoreline Erosion Control Program: This program helps fund planning and construction projects for beach erosion control and shoreline stabilization, including hard structures such as seawalls. It covers up to 50% of nonfederal project costs.
Public Beach Restoration Program: Focused on projects involving the placement of sand on beaches or nearshore environments, this program can fund up to 85% of nonfederal project costs for nonstate beaches.
Application Process
The grant application process consists of two steps: a Letter of Intent and a Full Application.
Step 1: Letter of Intent (LOI)
Deadline: 5:00 pm, Monday, December 16, 2024.
Applicants must submit a brief project description via email to Casey Caldwell at casey.caldwell@parks.ca.gov. The LOI helps DBW assess whether a project is suitable for funding and aids in statewide program planning.
Instructions and a sample LOI are provided online for guidance.
Step 2: Full Application
Deadline: 5:00 pm, Monday, February 3, 2025.
If the project is deemed eligible based on the LOI, applicants will be invited to submit a full application through the Online Grant Application (OLGA) system. Further instructions for using OLGA will be provided with the invitation.
Full applications submitted after the deadline will not be accepted, as the system automatically enforces the cutoff.
Review and Funding Process
Once full applications are submitted, they enter the State's budget process, where DBW will not be able to provide updates.
Applicants will receive notifications confirming receipt of their applications and may be contacted if additional information is needed.
The Governor’s budget released in January 2026 may include the list of recommended projects for the 2026-27 fiscal year, with final budget approval expected in June 2026.
Grant agreements are typically prepared a few months after the budget is finalized.
Contact Information
For questions or more details, contact Casey Caldwell at casey.caldwell@parks.ca.gov or (916) 902-8824.
The programs aim to support sustainable coastal management by providing significant financial assistance for local agencies' efforts in combating erosion and enhancing public beach environments.
