Deadline: March 24, 2008

The National Association of Counties, in partnership with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's Community-Based Restoration Program, has announced the second year of funding for the Coastal Counties Restoration Initiative.

The initiative provides financial assistance on a competitive basis to innovative, high-quality county-led or -supported projects. In 2008, CCRI will provide a total of $500,000 in grants to improve stream, river, estuarine, and other important marine habitats. A priority area for CCRI is the removal of fish passage barriers in coastal streams and rivers.

NACo member counties (visit naco.org and click on "About Counties" to determine membership) and organizations working in partnership with a NACo member county are eligible for funding. All applicants must include a letter of support from their chief elected county official. Non-county organizations include nonprofit organizations, private agencies, and public institutions such as departments, townships, cities, villages, boroughs, conservation districts, planning districts, utility districts, or other units of local government. Non-county applicants should ensure that the letter demonstrates a substantial county partnership in the project.

Grants will range from $50,000 to $100,000 each, based on need.

Related Resources:
National Association of Counties
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's