Wetland Program Development Grants (66.461)
Program
66.461 Wetland Program Development Grants
Federal Agency
OFFICE OF WATER, ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AGENCY
Authorization
Clean Water Act, Section 104(b)(3), as amended; Public Law 92-500; 33 U.S.C. 1254(b)(3.
Program Number
66.461
Last Known Status
Active
Objectives
To assist State, tribal, local government(S/T/LG) agencies, and interstate/intertribal entities build capacity to protect, manage and restore wetlands. Under the Wetlands Program Grant Competition, EPA has identified three program emphasis areas for improving S/T/LG's ability to protect and restore their wetlands: (1) Developing a comprehensive wetland monitoring and assessment program; (2) improving the effectiveness of compensatory mitigation; and (3) refining the protection of vulnerable wetlands and aquatic resources.
Types of Assistance
Project Grants.
Uses and Use Restrictions
These grants are intended to encourage comprehensive wetlands program development by promoting the coordination and acceleration of research, investigations, experiments, training, demonstrations, surveys, and studies relating to the causes, effects, extent, prevention, reduction, and elimination of water pollution. Projects build the capacity of States, tribes, and local governments to effectively protect wetland and riparian resources. Projects funded under this program support the initial development of a wetlands protection, restoration or management program or support enhancement/refinement of an existing program. Funds may not be used for the operational support of a wetlands program unless it is included in a Performance Partnership Grant.
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
States, Tribes, local government agencies, interstate agencies, and intertribal consortia, and national, nonprofit, non-governmental organizations are eligible. Typical wetland or wetland related agencies include, but are not limited to wetland regulatory agencies, water quality agencies (Section 401 water quality certification), planning offices, wild and scenic rivers agencies, departments of transportation, fish and wildlife or natural resources agencies, agriculture departments, forestry agencies, coastal zone management agencies, park and recreation agencies, non-point source or storm water agencies, city or county and other S/T/LG governmental agencies that conduct wetland-related activities. In order to be eligible for WPG funds, Tribes must be Federally recognized, although "Treatment as a State" status is not a requirement. Intertribal consortia that meet the requirements of 40 CFR Part 35.504 are eligible for direct funding. Interstate agency and intertribal consortia projects must be broad in scope and encompass more than one State, Tribe, or local government. In order to provide greater assistance to S/T/LGs, non-profit, non-governmental organizations which undertake activities that advance wetland programs on a national basis are eligible. Activities must help S/T/LGs develop and refine wetland programs. For example, projects and tasks can involve advancing science or collecting and making available through publications and other appropriate means, such as training on how information about how various wetland programs across the nation protect, manage and restore their wetland resources and about initiatives to improve S/T/LG wetland programs. Local/regional chapters/affiliations of a nonprofit organization are not eligible for WPGs and applications will only be accepted from the national headquarters level of a nonprofit, non-governmental organization. National nonprofit organizations are only eligible to submit their proposals to the Headquarters competition. For the competitive process, WPG applications from States, Tribes, and local governments are handled through EPA Regional Offices, while applications from national non-profit, non-governmental organizations are handled through EPA Headquarters. Applications from interstate agencies and intertribal consortia can be submitted to either a Regional Office or Headquarters, however, the same proposals from interstate and Inter tribal agencies cannot be submitted to more than one office.
Beneficiary Eligibility
State, tribal and local governments involved in administering wetlands protection, restoration and/or management programs or programs related to or complement wetlands protection programs.
Credentials/Documentation
Costs will be determined in accordance with OMB Circular No. A-87 for State and local governments.
Application and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
Preapplication coordination with the appropriate office is encouraged. The standard application forms as furnished by the Federal agency and required by OMB Circular No. A-102 must be used for this program. This program is eligible for coverage under E.O. 12372, "Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." An applicant should consult the office or official designated as the single point of contact in his or her State for more information on the process the State requires to be followed in applying for assistance, if the State has selected the program for review.
Application Procedure
Interested applicants should review information on the WPG at: http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/grantguidelines/. Applicants can also receive a copy of the current announcement by calling the EPA Wetlands Helpline at:(800) 832-7828. Application forms are available at http://www.epa.gov/ogd/AppKit/index.htm and by mail upon request to the Grants Administration Division at (202) 564-5305. Completed applications should be submitted to the appropriate EPA Regional or Headquarters Office.
Award Procedure
Grant applications are reviewed by the appropriate EPA Regional Office and Headquarters office, and, if approved, the grant is awarded by the Administrator or Regional Administrator.
Deadlines
Deadlines, determined annually, will be posted on the following EPA website(http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/grantguidelines/). You can contact the EPA Regional or Headquarters Office for information and to confirm deadlines. For general information contact the EPA Wetlands Helpline at: (800) 832-7828.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Appeals
As described in 40 CFR Part 31, Subpart F.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
S/T/LG, interstate agencies, and intertribal consortia must provide a minimum of 25% of each award's total project costs in accordance with 40 CFR 31.24, 35.385, and 35.615. We encourage States, Tribes and local governments to provide a larger share of the project's cost whenever possible (i.e., in excess of the required 25% of total project costs). National non-profit, non-governmental organizations must also provide a minimum of 25% of each award's total project costs. Forty CFR 35.536(c) (the Environmental Program Grants for Tribes Regulation), States that "the required cost share shall be five percent of the allowable cost of the work plan budget for that program" if the Tribal applicant puts the funds into a PPG. Tribal applicants can submit budgets with a 5% match if the Tribe is going to put the funds into a PPG. The following term and condition will be included in the assistance agreement awarded to the Tribe: If the Wetlands Program Grant Funds are not or could not be included in a PPG, then the Tribe must provide a 25% match. The match requirement can be met with contributions from entities other than the award recipient. Other Federal money cannot be used as the match for this grant program unless authorized by the statute governing the award of the other Federal funds. However, Indian tribes can use funds provided under the Indian Self-Determination and Education Act (25 U.S.C. § 450 et seq.) to provide the required matching funds to the extent authorized by that Act and implementing regulations. Matching funds are considered grant funds. They may be used for the reasonable and necessary expenses of carrying out the work plan. Any restrictions on the use of grant funds (i.e., prohibition of land acquisition with grant funds) also apply to the use of matching funds.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
The terms of the grant shall be determined at time of grant award.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Quarterly interim and final progress and expenditure reports; program evaluations and other reports as required by the specific terms of the Agreement.
Audits
Grants are subject to inspections and audit by representatives of the Comptroller General of the United States and EPA or any authorized representative. Periodic audits should be made as part of the recipient's systems of financial management and internal control to meet terms and conditions of grants and other agreements. In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," nonfederal entities that receive financial assistance of $300,000 or more within the State's fiscal year shall have an audit made for that year. The Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular No. A-133, "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Non-Profit Organizations," was published in the Federal Register on June 30, 1997. The Circular implements the Single Audit Act amendments of 1996. The Circular requires nonfederal entities that expend more than $300,00 in Federal award dollars, to have an audit conducted in accordance with the Circular's provisions. With the revised Circular, the previous OMB Circular No. A-128 for single audits of State and local governments was rescinded and the single audit requirements for these entities were incorporated among the provisions of OMB Circular No. A-133.
Records
Financial records, including all documents to support entries on accounting records and to substantiate changes to each grant must be kept available to personnel authorized to examine EPA grant accounts. All records must be maintained until expiration of three years from the date of submission of the final expenditure report. If questions still remain, such as those raised as a result of audit, related records should be retained until the matter is completely resolved.
Program Accomplishments
Funding priority focused on development of plans and management tools for protection of wetland resources; advancing the science and technical tools for evaluating, protecting, and restoring wetland health; facilitating development of watershed stakeholder partnerships, and improving public access to and education about wetlands information.
Financial Information
Account Identification
68-0108-0-1-304.
Obligations
(Grants) FY 02 $14,967,000; FY 03 $14,869,700; FY 04 est $15,000,000.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
Grant awards through the competition ranged from $11,000 to $496,000.
Regulations, Guidelines and Literature
General Grant Regulations and Procedures (40 CFR Part 31 and 35).
Related Programs
66.419, Water Pollution Control State and Interstate Program Support; 66.454, Water Quality Management Planning; 66.456, National Estuary Program; 66.458, Capitalization Grants for State Revolving Funds.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
REGIONAL WETLAND GRANT COORDINATORS. Region 1 - CT, ME, MA, NH, RI, VT. Jeanne Cosgrove. US EPA Region 1, 1 Congress Street, MC CSP, Suite 100, Boston, MA, 02114. Phone: 617-918-1669. E-mail: osgrove.jeanne@epa.gov. Region 2 - NJ, NY, PR, VI. Kathleen Drake, US EPA Region 2, 290 Broadway, NY, NY, 10007. Phone: 212-637-3817. E-mail: drake.kathleen@epa.gov. Region 3 - DE, MD, PA, VA, WV, DC. Alva Brunner, US EPA Region 3, 1650 Arch Street, MC 3EA30, Philadelphia, PA, 19103. Phone: 215-814-2715. E-mail: brunner.alva@epa.gov. Region 4 - AL, FL, GA, KY, MS, NC, SC, TN. Sharon Ward, US EPA Region 4, 61 Forsyth Street, SW, Atlanta, GA, 30303. Phone: 404-562-9269. E-mail: ward.sharon@epa.gov. Region 5 - IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. Cathy Garra, US EPA Region 5, 77 West Jackson Blvd., MC WW16J, Chicago, IL, 60604. Phone: 312-886-0241. E-mail: garra.catherine@epa.gov. Region 6 - AR, LA, NM, OK, TX. Tyrone Hoskins, US EPA Region 6, 1445 Ross Avenue, MC 6WQ-AT, Dallas, TX, 75202. Phone: 214/665-7375. E-mail: hoskins.tyrone@epa.gov. Region 7 - IA, KS, MO, NE. Jason Daniels, US EPA Region 7, 901 North Fifth Street, Kansas City, KS, 66101. Phone: 913-551-7443. E-mail: daniels.jason@epa.gov. Region 8 - CO, MT, ND, SD, UT, WY. Brent Truskowski, US EPA Region 8, 999 18th Street, Suite 300, Denver, CO, 80202. Phone: 303-312-6235. E-mail: truskowski.brent@epa.gov. Region 9 - AZ, CA, HI, NV, AS, GU. Cheryl McGovern, US EPA Region 9, 75 Hawthorne Street, San Francisco, CA 94105. Phone: 415-972-3415. E-mail: mcgovern.cheryl@epa.gov. Region 10 - AK, ID, OR, WA. David Kulman, US EPA Region 10, 1200 Sixth Avenue, Seattle, WA, 98101. Phone: 206-553-6219. E-mail: kulman.david@epa.gov.
Headquarters Office
Headquartres Wetland Grant Coordinator:. Connie Cahanap, US EPA Wetlands Division, 1200 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, MC 4502T, Washington, DC 20460. Phone: 202-566-1382. Email: cahanap.concepcion@epa.gov.
Web Site Address
http://www.epa.gov/owow/wetlands/grantguidelines/
Examples of Funded Projects
The WPDG database provides project information for grants funded through this program since it began in 1990. http://yosemite.epa.gov/water/grant.nsf.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
For the traditional competitive WPDG funding, proposals will be evaluated using the following general categories of criteria: (1) Program Area Emphasis - priority in the selection process will be given to projects which support the development of a S/T/LG's monitoring and assessment program, improvement of the effectiveness of compensatory mitigation, or protection of vulnerable wetlands and aquatic resources. (2) Clarity of Work Plan - clearly written and detailed proposals. (3) Potential Environmental Results - likelihood of positive environmental results in the short- and long-term. (4) Transferability of Results and/or Methods to other S/T/LGs. (5) Involvement/Commitment of the applicant - significant financial and personnel contribution and involvement of partners. (6) Incorporation of project into broad agency wetland goals (e.g., Government Performance Results Act (GPRA) Goals, EPA Strategic Plan, or Core Elements of a Comprehensive Wetland Program.) Please contact the Wetlands Helpline at (800) 832-7828) for more information. (7) Data Management - capability to report monitoring data to STORET. (8) Success of Previous Projects - for applicants who have received prior EPA funding. Proposals are evaluated by the quality of the submission related to the above criteria. The last criterion is applied only to prior grant recipients. The last criterion does not add value in the rating process for prior wetland grant recipients to give an automatic advantage over new applicants. The last criterion, does, in cases of inadequate and inappropriate prior grant performance, lower an applicant's ranking; it allows consideration of poor past performance in the evaluation of current grant proposals.
