Grants for State governments - Environment

Notice of Funding Opportunity SummaryNRCS is announcing the availability of Conservation Innovation Grants (CIG) Caribbean Area Program funding to stimulate the development and adoption of innovative conservation approaches and technologies. Applications are accepted from eligible entities (Section C) for projects carried out in the Caribbean Area (Puerto Rico (PR) and the U.S. Virgin Islands (USVI)). A total of up to $500,000 is available for the Caribbean Area CIG competition in FY 2024. All non-Foreign, non-federal entities (NFE) and individuals are invited to apply, with the sole exception of federal agencies. Projects may be between one and three years in duration. The maximum award amount for a single award in FY 2024 is $100,000. For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov. Completing all steps required to start an application can take a significant amount of time, plan accordingly.Key DatesApplicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 15, 2024 For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or [email protected]. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts. For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed.A webinar for CIG applicants is scheduled for April 9, 2024 at 9 a.m. Atlantic Standard Time. Information on how to participate in the webinar will be posted to the HYPERLINK website. Applicants are encouraged to visit the Caribbean Area CIG website to learn more about the CIG program.The agency anticipates making selections by June 30, 2024 and expects to execute awards by July 30, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

White-nose syndrome (WNS) is a disease of hibernating bats caused by the invasive fungus Pseudogymnoascus destructans (Pd). WNS is confirmed in 12 bat species in North America, including three that are federally listed as threatened or endangered and one that is proposed to be listed. WNS has led to severe declines in multiple hibernating species of bats, although impacts vary among affected species and locations. Severity of the disease is unclear for multiple recently or not yet exposed species.The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Service) is offering financial assistance to wildlife and natural resource management agencies and departments of states, the District of Columbia, and federally-recognized Native American Tribes for efforts related to the management of WNS. Since 2008, funding through the WNS Grants to States has led to critical information and resources for maximizing the benefits of bat conservation efforts. In 2019, this funding opportunity was extended to Tribes engaged in or seeking to engage in bat management and conservation efforts. The goal of this funding opportunity is to help our State and Tribal partners fulfill information needs, implement management actions for WNS and susceptible bat species, and actively engage in the National Response to WNS. Supported activities will include monitoring bat populations, implementing conservation actions for bats, supporting scientific information gathering, training personnel, managing WNS and the causative fungus, and maintaining expertise in bat conservation and management. Proposals for this program will be plans of action relevant to the current status of WNS in the applicants locations, and will address context-specific conservation needs of bats as well as the ecosystem as a whole. Funding priorities are intended to frame relevant projects in State or Tribal jurisdictions whether WNS is already affecting resident bats or the fungus has recently or not yet arrived. Successful applications to this funding opportunity will present effective and efficient plans to meet the following objectives: Benefit bat species that are known, assumed, or anticipated to be affected by WNS.Advance the stated priorities of this funding opportunity and the WNS National Plan.Build upon or advance the current state of knowledge of bats.

This program provides funding to local and state entities for environmentally friendly road maintenance projects that reduce pollution from dirt, gravel, and low volume roads.

The Integrated Atmospheric Deposition Network (IADN) was established in 1990 as a binational monitoring network between the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and Environment and Climate Change Canada (ECCC), in response to scientific evidence that demonstrated that input from the atmosphere is a significant source of many persistent toxic chemicals to the Great Lakes. Since 1990, IADN has monitored persistent toxic chemicals in vapor, particulates, and precipitation at both urban and rural sites across the Great Lakes basin. Master stations are in rural areas on four of the Great Lakes (Eagle Harbor, MI; Sleeping Bear Dunes, MI; Sturgeon Point, NY; ECCC Station: Point Petre, ON) to characterize the background basin-wide trends of persistent toxic chemical loadings to the lakes. Satellite stations are also located in two urban areas (Chicago, IL and Cleveland, OH) to better understand the contribution of large urban areas to persistent toxic chemical loadings to the Great Lakes. All stations are operated by EPA, except for Point Petre which is operated by ECCC. Funding for IADN is provided by the Great Lakes Restoration Initiative (GLRI or Initiative). The GLRI builds on the prior efforts of federal, state, and local agencies; Indian Tribes; businesses; public interest groups; interested citizens; and others to develop a collaborative and comprehensive approach to restoring the Great Lakes. Information about the Initiative can be found at GLRI.us. The statutory authority of the GLRI to award cooperative agreements is contained in the Clean Water Act, Section 118(c)(7), as amended by Public Law 114-322. The EPA has authority to award grants and cooperative agreements for planning, research, monitoring, outreach, and implementation projects in furtherance of the GLRI and the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement (GLWQA).This Request for Applications (RFA) solicits applications from eligible entities for a cooperative agreement to be awarded pursuant to the statutory authority referenced above and the GLRI Action Plan III.

Notice of Funding Opportunity Summary This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) is being released prior to appropriation and/or apportionment of funds for fiscal year 2024. Enactment of additional continuing resolutions or an appropriations act may affect the availability or level of funding for this program. The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is announcing the potential availability of funding for agreements for the purpose of leveraging NRCS resources, addressing local natural resource issues, encouraging collaboration and developing state-and-community-level conservation leadership. Proposals must be for projects based in Iowa and focus on conservation issues. Collaborative projects that provide on-the-ground support for Iowa NRCS Field Offices are highly encouraged. Research proposals will not be accepted, nor considered. NRCS anticipates that the amount available for support of this program in FY 2024 will be up to $5,000,000.00, however, budget constraints may prevent NRCS from funding 2024 proposals. Proposals are requested from City or township governments, county governments, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, state governments, nonprofits having a 501 (c)(3) status with the IRS (other than institutions of higher education), or institutions of higher education for competitive consideration of awards for projects between 2 and 5 years in duration. Awarded organizations may be required to present project updates in the form of a formal presentation to the Iowa NRCS Leadership. Organizations may use this opportunity to request additional funding for existing Iowa IPC agreements. For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov. Key Dates Applicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 7th, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or [email protected]. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts. For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed. The agency anticipates making selections by June 7th, 2024, and expects to execute awards by September 16, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

The Indiana Office of Energy Development is seeking applications for its Empowering Energy Partnerships in Indiana Communities. Donor Name: Indiana Office of Energy Development State: Indiana County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The Indiana Office of Energy Development is committed to affordable, stable, and reliable energy solutions for the benefit of all Hoosiers. Indiana OED supports the development of comprehensive energy policy that supports a diverse and balanced portfolio of energy resources. Program Goals  Empowering Energy Partnerships in Indiana Communities (EPIC) is a community-based competitive grant program to address energy needs and priorities at a community or regional level. Applicants are encouraged to think big, and to consider how they can address their energy needs on a larger scale. The purpose of the EPIC grant program is to support a comprehensive energy solutions program tailored to specific communities and serve as a model for other communities across Indiana. The goals of the EPIC program are to support Indiana’s five pillars of electricity policy: reliability, resiliency, stability, affordability, and environmental sustainability. Each proposal is encouraged to support as many of the five pillars as possible with a measurable impact. Proposals must be able to demonstrate public benefit to their communities, including but not limited to underserved and disadvantaged communities. Successful applicants will serve as a model for other communities with similar energy needs and goals. Awardees will share their progress during the project and their success upon project completion. Further, to support broader local and state priorities, awarded projects will demonstrate a connection to one or more of the following state priorities: economic development, workforce development, education, and public safety. Partnerships are expected to be an essential element. Funding Information Indiana OED is making approximately $2,500,000 available. OED anticipates awards averaging $300,000 to $500,000 per awardee. Project Period 3 years or less. Eligible Projects & Technologies Proposals must fall into one or more of the following topics. Example technologies are listed but are not exhaustive. Energy Efficiency- Includes projects that result in using less energy, such as: Building upgrades and retrofits Energy system technology to monitor and manage energy usage Weatherization measures Higher efficiency technology, equipment, and appliances Alternative Fueling and Charging Infrastructure-Includes projects for publicly accessible alternative fueling and/or charging infrastructure to reduce energy consumption and reduce local emissions. Vehicle purchases are not allowable under EPIC. Alternative fuels include biodiesel (B20+), compressed natural gas, electric, ethanol, hydrogen, liquid natural gas, propane, and renewable diesel (R20+). Examples include: Publicly accessible electric vehicle charging infrastructure (excluding Level 3 or DC fast charging) Vehicle-to-Grid technology development and/or deployment Publicly accessible alternative fuel fueling infrastructure Energy Security and Reliability-Includes projects that support resource adequacy, and support responses to and recovery from energy emergencies, shortages, or disruptions. Examples include: Backup generation (battery energy system storage, solar + battery storage, propane) Microgrid technologies Cybersecurity measures Clean Energy Resources- Includes projects that result in the use of renewable and other clean energy technologies, such as: Battery storage Solar (and solar + battery) Geothermal Wind Biomass Eligibility Criteria Eligible entities include local units of government, non-profit organizations, for-profit entities, and institutions of higher education. Entities that work throughout a community or region and can coordinate partnerships are strongly encouraged, such as local and regional economic development organizations, community foundations, and other organizations that participate in community development initiatives. Eligible entities must be Indiana based and registered with both the federal and state governments in order to receive award fund An eligible entity may submit only one proposal. An entity can coordinate submission on behalf of multiple beneficiaries. A community may be a part of multiple submissions as long as they are not the prime applicant (i.e., the one executing the grant agreement with OED) in more than one submission. Tiered subawards are not allowable under the federal award, so the prime recipient may only release funds to subcontractors to perform work on the project and may not make further subawards. For more information, visit OED.

The purpose of the NIH Research Conference Grant (R13) is to support high quality conferences that are relevant to the public health and to the scientific mission of the participating Institutes and Centers.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) is being released prior to appropriation and/or apportionment of funds for fiscal year 2024. Enactment of additional continuing resolutions or an appropriations act may affect the availability or level of funding for this program.The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), is announcing potential availability of cooperative agreements for the purpose of leveraging NRCS resources, addressing local natural resource issues, encouraging collaboration and developing state- and community-level conservation leadership. Proposals will be accepted for projects located in Nebraska.Proposals are requested for competitive consideration for cooperative agreement awards for projects between 1 and 3 years in duration. Applicants can be tribal government, State or local unit of government, non-profits with a 501 (c) (3) with status, or institution of higher learning.Entities may submit more than one application as long as the proposals are for different projects and entities may receive more than one award.This notice identifies the objectives, eligibility criteria, and application instructions for projects. Proposals will be screened for completeness and compliance with the provisions of this notice. Incomplete and/or noncompliant proposals will be eliminated from competition, and notification of elimination will be sent to the applicant.For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov.Key DatesApplicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on May 6th, 1-800-518-4726 or [email protected]. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts.For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed.The agency anticipates making selections by June 15th, 2024, and expects to execute awards by September 15th, 2024.These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

The Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF) is seeking proposals to restore the health and living resources of Long Island Sound (Sound) with approximately $12 million for grants in 2024. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/13/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The program is managed by National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Long Island Sound Study (LISS). Major funding is from EPA through the LISS with additional funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Zoetis Foundation. Program Priorities  The LISFF supports efforts to test innovative approaches to conservation, deliver transformative projects and support people and communities who value the Sound and take a role in its future. A road map guiding investments under the LISFF is the Long Island Sound Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan 2020-2024 Update (CCMP). The Long Island Sound Futures Fund invests in projects under three CCMP themes shown below, in CCMP Implementation Actions (IAs) associated with each theme, and in three CCMP cross-cutting principles: resiliency to climate change, long-term sustainability, and environmental justice all defined in the CCMP. The most competitive proposals will be those that incorporate theme(s), IA(s) and one or more cross-cutting principle(s) of the CCMP. CCMP THEME: Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds – Improve water quality by reducing nitrogen pollution, combined sewer overflows, impervious cover, stormwater runoff, and point and nonpoint source loading into Long Island Sound through: Implementation of “shovel-ready” projects that result in quantifiable pollutant prevention. The most competitive projects will be those that address water quality at a larger or more comprehensive scale such as a neighborhood, waterfront or downtown. Proposals will be asked to describe plans for long-term maintenance. Planning activities that set-the-stage for implementation of water quality projects including: 1) community engagement, planning and prioritization; 2) feasibility, suitability or alternatives analyses; 3) site assessment and conceptual design; and 4) final design and permitting. Projects in the Upper Basin states (MA, NH, VT) of the Long Island Sound Watershed must have a specific outcome related to nitrogen/nutrient prevention as a result of project activities through: Implementation of “shovel-ready” projects that result in quantifiable nitrogen/nutrient pollutant prevention with a benefit to Long Island Sound. Proposals will be asked to describe plans for long-term maintenance of the site.  Projects must quantify nitrogen/nutrient reductions in metrics. Planning for activities that set-the-stage for implementation of quantifiable nitrogen/nutrient pollutant prevention with a benefit to Long Island Sound including: 1) community engagement, planning and prioritization; 2) feasibility, suitability or alternatives analyses; 3) site assessment and conceptual design; and 4) final design and permits. Projects must document the benefit to downstream Long Island Sound such as by indicating how the project addresses a source of nitrogen/nutrient pollution, project location and how the design of the project and its implementation will effectively reduce downstream pollution loading. CCMP THEME: Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife – 1) enhance or restore coastal habitats to maintain resilience and function and to support populations of fish, birds and wildlife; and 2) sustain the ecological balance of the Sound in a healthy, productive and resilient state for the benefit of people, wildlife and the natural environment. Implementing “shovel-ready” projects habitat restoration and/or nature based or green-gray hybrid resilience projects. Proposals will be asked to describe plans for long-term maintenance. Planning that sets-the-stage for implementation of projects including: 1) community engagement, planning and prioritization; 2) feasibility, suitability or alternatives analyses; 3) site assessment and conceptual design; and 4) final design and permits. Fostering diverse, balanced and abundant populations of fish, birds and wildlife. Consider the LISS Habitat Restoration Guidelines to inform development of a proposal. CCMP THEME: Sustainable and Resilient Communities – Support vibrant, informed, and engaged communities that use, appreciate, and help protect and sustain the Sound. Projects providing hands-on conservation experiences will be more competitive. Funding Information With funding of approximately $12 million for projects in 2024, there are multiple funding categories under the LISFF each with a different range of grant funding. Implementation Projects: $50,000 to $1.5 million for projects with particularly high environmental community benefit relative to cost, including: Water quality, habitat restoration, and resilience projects. Projects with the greatest promise to demonstrate, influence, pilot, innovate, and/or provide a proof of concept with the aim of accelerating local and regional water quality improvements, natural resource restoration, coastal resilience, Environmental Justice and/or community and public outreach and engagement. Design/Planning Projects: $50,000 to $500,000 for: Water quality or habitat restoration projects. Watershed plans. Community resilience/sustainability/natural hazard mitigation plans. Project Period Projects must start within six months and be completed within 24 months after notification of grant award. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local government, municipal government, Tribal Governments and Organizations, and educational institutions. For more information, visit NFWF.

This funding opportunity supports tax-exempt nonprofits, public schools, and municipalities in southern York County, Maine, and Strafford & Rockingham Counties in New Hampshire, focusing on innovative and sustainable programs in health, community advancement, arts, education, and environmental welfare.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations and public agencies in their efforts to combat poverty through community empowerment and sustainable solutions in areas such as economic opportunity, education, and environmental stewardship, with a focus on advancing racial equity and serving underserved communities.

Groundwork Grants, developed in partnership with Myriad Consulting & Training, builds upon this first step by allocating essential financial support to address the identified needs, prioritizing institutions that document the experiences of individuals, groups, and communities whose contributions to California’s history and culture have long been underrepresented in mainstream memory institutions. Donor Name: California State Library State: California County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Groundwork Grants will also ultimately produce long-term economic benefits by reducing response and recovery costs. Most importantly, this collaborative effort will help to safeguard California’s cultural heritage, in its most inclusive form, for generations to come. For the first round of this funding opportunity, over $1 million is available for competitive funding. Awards will take the form of cash grants and/or pre-paid goods and services to address recommended needs and concerns related to emergency readiness. Matching funds are not required. Options for support include: Assistance in the development of disaster plans Disaster recovery & spill kits Preservation supplies Environmental monitoring and alert equipment Staff training opportunities Consultation with local facilities specialists (e.g. engineers, plumbers, electricians, security technicians, or others) Supplies, equipment, or hardware for minor, immediate building maintenance, repairs, storage, or security needs. Funding Priorities  Any organization that meets the eligibility requirements outlined further in this document is welcome to apply. Applications are encouraged especially from organizations that meet the following priority considerations: Highest priority will be given to organizations that represent/document historically underserved, under-represented communities, including but not limited to: African American, Asian American, Hispanic/Latinx, or Native American groups; persons with disabilities; persons experiencing poverty or homelessness; veterans; farmworkers; persons identifying as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, or Queer; senior residents; immigrants and refugees; and rural communities. Priority will also be given to organizations that have received recent preservation assessments, incorporating disaster readiness, through a Ready or Not preservation consultation or from other qualified preservation consultant(s). Funding Information Maximum awards will be $15,000. Eligible Applicants  To be eligible to apply, your organization must be established in California as one of the following: Nonprofit organizations classified as a tax-exempt 501(c)(3) Accredited institutions of higher education (public or nonprofit) Local governments in California and their agencies Native American Tribal governments recognized by the state of California. For more information, visit CSL.

The Texas Water Development Board's Agricultural Water Conservation Program focuses on promoting water conservation in the agricultural sector through various initiatives, including Ag Conservation Loans and Grants. These efforts aim to support infrastructure improvements and innovative practices for efficient water use among political subdivisions, state agencies, and producers. The grant program offers up to $1.5 million annually, encouraging applications from political subdivisions and state agencies, with producers also eligible to participate in projects. A local match, typically 50%, is required. The program emphasizes collaboration with stakeholders to implement best management practices, education, and outreach to optimize irrigation efficiency and water conservation across Texas.

The Community Investment Program (CIP), initiated by Grid United at the Cherokee Strip Community Foundation in 2023, aims to empower communities in Cimarron and Texas Counties, Oklahoma. This initiative supports projects that significantly enhance community and economic development, addressing issues through innovative and creative approaches. With a focus on benefiting areas around the Three Corners Connector, the program invites 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities to apply. Grants can go up to $50,000, supporting projects that have a broad impact on quality of life, encourage community involvement, leverage additional support, and respond to emerging needs. Grant renewed every year. Annual Spring deadline: November 16th to May 15th.

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agencys (EPA) Office of Research and Development (ORD) seeks to support a Research Training Program for college and university students. The objective of this Request for Applications (RFA) is to support the training of undergraduate and graduate students on site at EPAs research facility located in Ada, Oklahoma. ORD conducts timely, mission-relevant, solution-oriented research based on the principles of integrity, sustainability, and responsiveness to the needs of the Nation. The Environmental Research Apprenticeship Program (ERAP) for College and University Students is designed to increase both the effectiveness and number of future environmental scientists and technicians by allowing trainees to collaborate with senior EPA-ORD scientists. The overall goal is to train the next generation of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) scientists and engineers to further the Agencys mission to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, manage chemical risks, protect, and restore land, and protect America;apos;s water. The training will be conducted at EPAs facilities in Ada, Oklahoma. Some examples of the fields of study for desirable trainees include (but are not limited to) those majoring in environmental science, water policy, chemistry, engineering, computer science, ecology, and physical and biological sciences.

The U.S. Embassy Kuala Lumpur Public Affairs Section (PAS) of the U.S. Department of State is pleased to announce that funding is available through its Public Diplomacy Small Grants Program. This is an Annual Program Statement, outlining our funding priorities, the strategic themes we focus on, and the procedures for submitting requests for funding. PAS Kuala Lumpur invites proposals for programs that strengthen ties between the U.S. and Malaysia through cultural and exchange programming that highlights shared values and promotes bilateral cooperation. All programs must include an American cultural element, or connection with American expert/s, organization/s, or institution/s in a specific field that will promote increased understanding of U.S. policy and perspectives.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) was established by Congress in 1964 to fulfill a bipartisan commitment to safeguard our natural areas, water resources and cultural heritage, and to provide recreation opportunities to all Americans. Using zero taxpayer dollars, the LWCF invests earnings from offshore oil and gas leasing to help strengthen communities, preserve our history and protect our national endowment of lands and waters. The LWCF program is divided into the "State Side" which provides grants to State and local governments, and the "Federal Side" which is used to acquire lands, waters, and interests therein necessary to achieve the natural, cultural, wildlife, and recreation management objectives of federal land management agencies.

This funding opportunity provides financial assistance to low-income rural communities, local governments, nonprofit organizations, and tribes for planning and developing applications for essential water and waste disposal projects.

The Land and Water Conservation Fund (LWCF) State and Local Assistance (SLA) Program provides grants to the States, and through them to local units of government and federallyrecognized Indian tribes, for projects that will provide outdoor recreation opportunities to the public. This is accomplished through the acquisition of lands and waters for parks and other outdoor recreation areas, as well as through the development of new, or the renovation of existing, outdoor recreation facilities. The Program is operated by the National Park Service (NPS) in partnership with designated State Lead Agencies in each of the 50 States as well as American Samoa, the District of Columbia, Guam, Northern Mariana Islands, Puerto Rico, and the Virgin Islands. Congress allocates money from the LWCF for this program, which is then apportioned to the States based on a legislative formula. To be eligible for LWCF grants, States must maintain an approved Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), which is used to assess the supply and demand for outdoor recreation resources and set priorities for the use of LWCF funds. Since 1964, more than $5.2 billion has been made available to all 50 states, territories, and the District of Columbia and more than 44,000 grants have been awarded. The Department of Defense (DOD) Readiness and Environmental Protection Integration (REPI) Program protects the Nation’s military readiness, enhances relationships with communities, preserves the environment, and improves military installation and community resilience to climate change. Under 10 U.S.C. 2684a, the REPI program funds cost-sharing partnerships for the military with state and local governments and private conservation organizations. These partnerships obtain easements or other interests in land from willing sellers or promote natural resource management and military installation resilience to preserve critical areas, resources, and natural infrastructure near military installations. Since program inception, REPI partnership projects have protected nearly 1.18 million acres of land in 120 locations in 35 states and territories. Overseen by the Office of the Secretary of Defense and implemented by the military services, REPI projects help to preserve vital missions at key military installations. In coordination with Congress and the DoD, the Secretary of the Interior has established a special competitive funding initiative using previously apportioned funds that are not currently allocated to any particular state or territory. The Readiness and Recreation Initiative will seek to fund projects that will acquire and enhance lands for public outdoor recreation that are also within the geographic scope of an agreement between a state, local government, or conservation-focused non-governmental entity and a military department pursuant to 10 U.S.C. 2684a. Projects must meet the dual purposes of 1) providing outdoor recreation opportunities, and 2) promoting or supporting compatible land uses and avoiding incompatible development 4 in areas in the vicinity of, or ecologically related to, a military installation or military airspace, and/or to maintain or enhance the climate resilience of one or more military installations (hereinafter, “REPI Partnership Opportunity Area”). The projects will serve the general public and military families. Therefore, consistent with the purposes and requirements of the LWCF Act and LWCF Manual, the NPS is seeking land acquisition only or acquisition with compatible recreation development (aka, “combination”) project proposals matching the following factors: • meeting a priority outdoor recreation need or goal as identified in the State’s SCORP as well asthat of the community(ies), and that will provide compatible land use within the REPI Partnership Opportunity Area. • creating or expanding public outdoor recreational opportunities for the general public, including for residents and military families associated with the military installation within the REPI Partnership Opportunity Area. • located within an active REPI Partnership Opportunity Area. • promoting compatible land uses for military installations within REPI Partnership Opportunity Areas, particularly land uses related to compatible recreation development, advancing conservation or climate resilience (only if also offering compatible public access). • advancing the goals of a REPI partnership.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and public entities in Schuyler County for innovative projects that benefit the community, promote diversity, and protect the environment.