**Announcement of Federal Funding Opportunity**

-   **Federal Agency Name(s):** Office of Ocean and Coastal Resource
    Management (OCRM), National Ocean Service (NOS), National Oceanic
    and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), U.S. Department of Commerce

-   **Funding Opportunity Title:** Coastal and Estuarine Land
    Conservation Program (CELCP) -- FY2008 Competitive List

-   **Announcement Type:** Initial Announcement

-   **Funding Opportunity Number: NOS-OCRM-2008-2000828**

-   **Catalog of Federal Domestic Assistance Number:** 11.419, Coastal
    Zone Management Administration Awards/Coastal and Estuarine Land
    Conservation Program

-   **Program Authorities:** 16 U.S.C. 1456d

-   **Dates:** The deadline for receipt of proposals through grants.gov
    or at the OCRM office is 11:59 p.m. EST October 27, 2006.
    Applications may be submitted electronically at the internet site:
    *[http://www.grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/)* or by mail to the
    address listed below.

-   **Funding Opportunity Description:** The purpose of this document is
    to advise eligible coastal states (described below) that OCRM is
    soliciting proposals for coastal and estuarine land conservation
    projects for competitive funding under the CELCP. This solicitation
    will result in a prioritized list of projects that will be submitted
    to Congress by April 1, 2007, for consideration in the Fiscal Year
    (FY) 2008 appropriations process. Funding is contingent upon the
    availability of fiscal year 2008 Federal appropriations. It is
    anticipated that projects funded under this announcement will have a
    grant start date between March 1, 2008 and October 1, 2008.

-   **Electronic Access:** Information about the CELCP, including
    Program Guidelines, can be found on NOAA's CELCP website at
    [*http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/land/welcome.html*](http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/land/welcome.html).
    The full funding opportunity announcement and application materials
    are available via the grants.gov web site:
    *[http://www.grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/),* at NOAA's CELCP
    website:
    *<http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/land/celcp_fundingop.html>,* or
    by contacting the program officials identified below.

> **FULL TEXT OF ANNOUNCEMENT**

**I. [Funding Opportunity Description ]{.underline}**

A. Program Objectives and Priorities

The Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP) was
established "for the purpose of protecting important coastal and
estuarine areas that have significant conservation, recreation,
ecological, historical, or aesthetic values, or that are threatened by
conversion from their natural or recreational state to other uses." This
announcement solicits proposals for land acquisition projects (fee
simple interest or conservation easements) that can be completed within
18 months to three years from the start date of the award with the
purpose of protecting important coastal and estuarine areas.

Project proposals should reflect the land conservation priorities
identified in an approved state CELCP plan or, if a state's plan has not
been completed, by the state's approved coastal management program. The
state's designated lead agency for implementing the CELCP may solicit,
and include in their application, project proposals from additional
state agencies, or local governments as defined at 15 CFR 24.3, or
entities eligible for assistance under section 306A(e) of the Coastal
Zone Management Act (CZMA) (16 U.S.C. 1455a(e)), provided that each has
the authority to acquire and manage land for conservation purposes.
Coastal states may select and submit up to three projects for this
competition. The maximum amount that may be requested for the Federal
share of each project is \$3,000,000.

Project proposals should describe how the project supports the purpose
of the CELCP, described above. Applicants should identify the primary
purpose of the project (whether the project will principally protect
ecological, conservation, recreational, historic or aesthetic values)
and describe how the project will further this primary purpose as well
as other relevant conservation, recreation, ecological, historical, and
aesthetic values. The applicant should also discuss how the property is
threatened by conversion from its natural or recreational state to other
uses, how existing and future uses will be managed consistent with
long-term conservation, and the likelihood that the project will be
completed in a timely manner. The proposals should describe the
applicant's qualifications (and those of project partners, if
applicable) to acquire and manage property for long-term conservation
(either directly or through partnership agreements). The proposals
should also include a detailed budget estimate that describes the basis
for the requested federal funding amount, the proposed land acquisition
costs and other costs that directly support the project. The project's
budget estimate should account for both Federal CELCP funds requested
and funds to be used as the non-federal matching share.

This competition will result in a prioritized list of projects that are
ready and eligible for funding in FY 2008. Each proposal will be
reviewed to determine whether proposed costs and uses are consistent
with the CELCP guidelines and will be scored by merit reviewers
according to the evaluation criteria described in section V of this
notice. The CELCP authority specifies that priority be given to lands
which can be effectively managed and protected and that have significant
ecological value. A project may be given higher priority if it addresses
a priority identified in a draft state CELCP plan (see Appendix A for a
list of states that are considered, for the purposes of this
competition, to have a CELCP plan). A project may be considered not
ready or not eligible if the project is not viable due to elements
determined inconsistent with the CELCP guidelines or if receives a very
low score in any of the four evaluation criteria areas. This is to
ensure that each project selected for funding provides for the
protection of significant coastal and estuarine values, is consistent
with the program, and can be effectively executed within the performance
period and managed and protected for long-term conservation.

The CELCP guidelines establish the eligibility, procedural and
programmatic requirements for participation in the CELCP, including the
criteria for financial assistance awards under the program. The
guidelines, published in the *Federal Register* on June 17, 2003 (68
Fed.Reg. 35860-35869), outline the criteria and process for eligible
coastal states to develop a state coastal and estuarine land
conservation plan, nominate land conservation projects to a national
competitive process, and for NOAA to select projects at the national
level for funding. All applications submitted pursuant to this notice
must be consistent with the CELCP guidelines except that, for this
solicitation, the requirement that states must have an approved CELCP
plan will be waived. The CELCP guidelines, published June 2003, can be
found at
*<http://www.coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/land/media/celcpfinal02guidelines.pdf>.*

B. Program Authorities

Authority for the CELCP is 16 U.S.C. 1456d.

**II. [Award Information]{.underline}**

A. Funding Availability

Funding for projects selected for the prioritized list through this
solicitation is contingent upon availability of Federal appropriations
for fiscal year 2008. This solicitation announces the opportunity for
coastal states to submit up to three project proposals at a requested
funding level not to exceed \$3,000,000 per project for projects with a
performance period ranging from 18 months to 3 years from the time a
grant is awarded. For this solicitation, the total funding will be
determined by the number of proposals that are deemed to be ready and
eligible, as well as amounts appropriated in FY 2008. Appropriated
funding levels for the CELCP have ranged from \$37-\$50 million each
year from FY 2003-2006.

It is anticipated that approximately 20-60 projects may be included on a
competitively-ranked list of projects that are ready and eligible for
funding in FY 2008. Applicants are hereby given notice that funds have
not yet been appropriated for this program. In no event will NOAA or the
Department of Commerce be responsible for proposal preparation or other
project costs if this program fails to receive funding or is cancelled
because of other agency priorities.

There is no guarantee that sufficient funds will be available to make
awards for all qualified projects. Publication of this notice does not
oblige NOAA to award any specific project or to obligate any available
funds. If one incurs any costs prior to receiving an award agreement
signed by an authorized NOAA official, one would do so solely at one's
own risk of these costs not being included under the award.

Publication of this notice does not obligate any agency to any specific
award or to obligate any part of the entire amount of funds available.
Recipients and subrecipients are subject to all Federal laws and agency
policies, regulations and procedures applicable to Federal financial
assistance awards.

NOAA is committed to continual improvement of the grants process and
accelerating the award of financial assistance to qualified recipients
in accordance with the recommendations of the NOAA Program Review Team.
If funding is appropriated in FY 2008 for projects recommended through
this competition, NOAA will request final grant applications from
successful applicants as soon as feasible in order to expedite the grant
process (see section VI.A -- Award Administration Information).

B. Project/Award Period

The standard financial assistance award period is 18 months, and may be
extended an additional 18 months if circumstances warrant, but may not
exceed three years (Sec. 5.2 of the CELCP guidelines.

C. Type of funding instrument

Projects are funded as grants. CELCP grants are subject to the terms and
conditions described in Section 5 of the CELCP guidelines.

**III. [Eligibility Information]{.underline}**

A. Eligible Applicants

Coastal states with Coastal Zone Management Programs or National
Estuarine Research Reserves approved under the Coastal Zone Management
Act of 1972 (CZMA) are eligible to participate in the CELCP. The state's
designated lead agency for implementing the CELCP is eligible to submit
projects for funding under this competition. The state lead agency is
presumed to be the lead agency designated for implementing the state's
coastal management program, as approved under the CZMA, unless otherwise
designated by the Governor. A list of state lead contacts is available
on the CELCP website at
*<http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/land/media/celcpstateleadcontacts.pdf>.*

The state's designated lead agency may solicit, and include in their
application, project proposals from additional state agencies, or local
governments as defined at 15 CFR 24.3, or entities eligible for
assistance under section 306A(e) of the CZMA (16 U.S.C. 1455a(e)),
provided that each has the authority to acquire and manage land for
conservation purposes. Interested parties should contact the appropriate
state CELCP lead for additional information on the state's project
solicitation process.

The state lead agency will be responsible for: soliciting projects that
are consistent with land conservation priorities outlined in the state's
approved CELC plan or, if a CELC plan has not yet been approved, a
state's coastal management program; reviewing them for completeness;
prioritizing them according to state criteria; and nominating up to
three projects to the national selection process. The state will be
responsible for ensuring that any allocated funds are used for the
purposes of and in a manner consistent with this program. Appendix A
contains a list of states that completed draft CELCP plans by the time
of this competition and are eligible to receive additional credit for
projects that address priorities identified within the state's plan.

B. Eligible Projects and Uses of CELCP Funds

The CELCP provides support for acquisition of fee simple interests in
lands or conservation easements from willing sellers within eligible
coastal states (as defined in "Eligible Applicants," above).

In order to be eligible to compete, a project must:

-   be located in a coastal and estuarine area included within a state's
    CELCP plan, or if a state's plan has not been completed, within the
    state's coastal watershed boundary as defined in the CELCP
    guidelines;

-   match Federal CELCP funds with non-Federal funds at a ratio of 1:1;

-   be held in public ownership and provide conservation in perpetuity;

-   provide for public access or other public benefit, as appropriate
    and consistent with resource protection; and,

-   be consistent with a state's coastal management program approved
    under the CZMA.

To meet the CELCP's national criteria, projects should:

-   protect important coastal and estuarine areas that have significant
    conservation, recreation, ecological, historical, or aesthetic
    values, or that are threatened by conversion from their natural or
    recreational state to other uses;

-   give priority to lands that can be effectively managed and protected
    and that have significant ecological value;

-   directly advance the goals, objectives, or implementation of the
    states' coastal management plan or program, NERR management plans
    approved under the CZMA, national objectives of the CZMA, or a
    regional or state watershed protection plan involving coastal states
    with approved coastal management plans.

CELCP funds may be used for the following purposes:

-   acquisition of properties or interests in properties (conservation
    easements) from willing sellers, including direct expenses relating
    to the acquisition of lands under the CELCP;

-   direct and indirect costs for administering the grant award (up to
    the equivalent of 5% of the Federal share), including time spent by
    staff directly involved in project planning, implementation and
    review, and certain initial costs for land stewardship incurred
    during the award period to allow for signage, public safety or other
    stewardship purposes. If an application includes indirect costs, the
    total dollar amount of the proposed indirect costs must not exceed
    the indirect cost rate negotiated and approved by a cognizant
    Federal agency.

The negotiated price of the property or conservation easement should be
based on the fair market value determined by an independent appraisal
conducted by a state-approved appraiser. Independent appraisals must
reflect nationally recognized appraisal standards including the Uniform
Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisition (the "Yellow Book"). If
an appraisal has not been completed at the time a project proposal is
submitted, the applicant may propose a good-faith estimate of the cost
for the project based on market value or agreement with the willing
seller. However, if the project is selected for funding, the amount of
the grant cannot exceed the estimated cost in the project application.
An appraisal will be required when a grant application is made to NOAA
for projects that have been selected for funding. If the appraised value
of the property is higher than the estimated cost in the project
proposal, the applicant must make up the difference. More information
can be found in Section 4.2.d in the CELCP guidelines.

Allowable grant costs are limited to costs necessary and reasonable to
achieve the approved objectives of a grant and must be consistent with
general cost principals for grants awarded by federal agencies, as
contained in the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Circular A-87
"Cost Principals for State, Local, and Indian Tribal Governments." OMB
Circular A-87 can be found at
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/grants_circulars.html.

CELCP funds may not be used for the following purposes:

-   funding long-term operations, maintenance, and management of the
    land (above those costs allowed for initial land stewardship);

-   construction of buildings, boat launching facilities, docks or
    piers, shoreline armoring, or other facilities;

-   research;

-   outreach and education;

-   acquisition of lands, or interests in lands, that completely
    restrict access to specific persons (e.g. non-residents of a
    community);

-   acquisition of lands, or interests in lands, to comply with
    mandatory or compensatory mitigation for recent or pending habitat
    losses resulting from the actions of agencies, organizations,
    companies or individuals;

-   the sole or primary purpose of enforcing fish, wildlife, or other
    regulations, except when necessary for the accomplishment of
    approved project purposes;

-   acquisition of land for active recreation, such as sports
    facilities, water parks, playgrounds, or similar uses; and

-   reimbursement of expenses that have been incurred prior to the start
    of a grant award, with the following exceptions.

> []{.mark}
>
> If an applicant incurs costs before the effective date of the grant,
> they do so at their own risk. Such "pre-award costs" cannot be
> reimbursed except as approved by NOAA, although they may be counted as
> match. Applicants may receive reimbursement for costs incurred within
> 90 days prior to the grant's start date if they are requested in the
> application and the applicant can demonstrate it was necessary and
> reasonable to incur those costs in advance. When approved, pre-award
> costs may include such costs as those necessary for conducting:
> environmental assessments, including risk assessments; feasibility
> surveys; appraisals, title searches or opinions; or preparation of
> documents needed to satisfy legal requirements, such as the National
> Environmental Policy Act. In some cases, with prior approval from
> NOAA, the cost of land acquisition may be reimbursed as a pre-award
> cost if the acquisition occurred between the date the project was
> recommended for funding through the competitive selection process
> ("selected") and the date that the grant award was approved by NOAA.

[]{.mark}

C. Cost Sharing or Match Requirements

Cost-sharing requirements for the CELCP are specified in Section 2.7 of
the CELCP guidelines and must meet the eligibility criteria, ownership
and stewardship conditions as the Federal share (described above in
section III.B.), unless specified otherwise. Federal funds awarded under
this program must be matched with non-Federal funds at a ratio of 1:1,
with the following exception. The 1:1 matching requirement is waived for
any project under \$200,000 for Insular Areas, defined as the
jurisdictions of the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, American Samoa, and the
Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands. Non-federal matching funds
may be derived from state, local, non-governmental or private sources in
the form of cash or in-kind contributions.

In-kind contributions may include the value of other lands or easements
acquired by the grant recipient or donated to the recipient; donated
land value (i.e., a "bargain sale" of a property at a price less than
full appraised value); or services such as on-site remediation,
restoration, enhancement, or donated labor and supplies provided that
the in-kind contributions are necessary and reasonable to accomplish the
objectives of the project. Such in-kind contributions must be identified
in the project application, be completed by the end of the financial
assistance award period, and documented as part of the completed project
(in the final performance report).

[]{.mark}

In-kind contributions may also include the value of lands or easements
acquired or donated within 3 years prior to submission of the grant
application ("banked match"), as described in section 2.7.c. of the
CELCP guidelines. For projects funded as a result of this competition,
final grant applications would be due to NOAA sometime between January
and June of 2008. Therefore, for the purposes of this competition,
"banked match" must be incurred no earlier than January through June of
2005, depending on the anticipated date of application.

[]{.mark}

Lands or easements that are used as match must be:

-   held by the grant recipient. Lands owned by another agency or
    organization ("3^rd^ party") may be used if a conservation easement
    is provided to the grant recipient, but in such cases, the donated
    value would be based on the value of the conservation easement.
    Lands held by third parties are not eligible as match if the grant
    recipient does not have a legal interest in the property that can be
    used to bind the property to the terms of the grant;

-   in the vicinity of the property being acquired with CELCP funds or
    be substantially related in terms of conservation values or have
    other direct physical or strategic objective connections to the
    CELCP property

-   meet the eligibility criteria, ownership and stewardship conditions
    described in sections 2.3-2.6 of the guidelines; and

-   are not required as compensatory mitigation.

The application should document the value of in-kind contributions,
including land and services proposed for use as match, and describe how
any property(ies) to be used as match meet the eligibility criteria
described above. The value should reflect the price paid at purchase or
assessed at the time of donation, and should be supportable based upon
an appraisal reflecting nationally-recognized appraisal standards,
including to the extent appropriate, the Uniform Appraisal Standards for
Federal Land Acquisition.

[]{.mark}

The value of in-kind services may be used if they are necessary and
reasonable to accomplish the objectives of the project, are identified
in the project application, and are completed within the grant
performance period or specifically allowed as "banked match" (such as
qualified "pre-award" costs -- e.g. appraisal, title opinion or other
documentation related to acquisition of the parcel(s) to be acquired
that were incurred more than 90 days before the start of a grant award),
and documented as part of the completed project.

> See also 15 CFR 24.24 Matching or Cost-Sharing (Uniform Administrative
> Requirements for Grants and Cooperative Agreements to State and Local
> Governments) for determining the value of in-kind contributions.

The following costs may not be counted toward the non-federal matching
share:

-   Costs expended prior to the grant award, unless specifically allowed
    as "banked match";

-   Lands or services previously used as non-Federal match. Any funds or
    in-kind contributions, including the value of donated lands or
    services, that have been previously used to satisfy the matching
    requirements of this program or that that have been or will be used
    to satisfy another federal grant, may not be counted toward the
    non-federal matching share;

-   Lands or services acquired with Federal funds. Unless otherwise
    provided by Federal law, the value of property, interests in
    property or services acquired with federal funding may not be used
    as non-federal match;

-   Cash contribution of Federal funds. Unless otherwise provided by
    Federal law, funding that originated from Federal sources may not be
    used as non-Federal match.

Other cost provisions:

-   User fees should not be charged to access lands acquired through
    this program. However, if user fees are charged, they should comply
    with any applicable state standards for user fees. In such cases,
    all income or other revenues derived from the fees shall be used for
    the maintenance or management of the property.

-   Leasing or renting of the property or interest in property is
    prohibited unless specifically authorized by NOAA. All income or
    other revenues derived from an approved lease or rent arrangement
    shall be used to maintain or manage property.

D. Title and Ownership

The recipient, or other appropriate public agency designated by the
recipient, will hold title to the land, or interests in land
(conservation easement), in perpetuity. Title and ownership of land, or
interests in land (conservation easement) used as match must also be
held by the same recipient, or other appropriate public agency
designated by the recipient, in perpetuity. If the land interest will be
held by another public agency, applicants are advised that they remain
financially accountable for the funds received and ensuring that the
lands remain protected consistent with the terms of the grant.

As a condition of the grant award, NOAA will require that the recipient,
or designated public agency, include language in the deed or easement
advising that the property has been acquired with federal funds from
NOAA or used as match for same, and assurances that the property will be
held for conservation in perpetuity. If the property has already been
acquired prior to the start of the award (such as in the case of "banked
match") the recipient or other public agency must record and furnish to
NOAA a lien, covenant or other appropriate notice of record advising of
the same. See section 5.3 of the CELCP guidelines for additional
information on special award conditions.

If the property or interest in property acquired with CELCP funds is
sold, exchanged, divested, or converted to others uses that are
inconsistent with the purposes for which it was acquired, the recipient
must return funds back to NOAA. See section 2.6.c. of the CELCP
guidelines for additional information.

E. Allowable Uses of Lands

The following activities are considered consistent with conservation
purposes under the CELCP:

-   Resource protection;

-   Restoration and enhancement, such as vegetative erosion control or
    restoration of natural water flow to the area;

-   Low-impact recreational activities, such as hiking, hunting and
    fishing;

-   Access for swimming, canoeing, or kayaking; and

-   Research and educational activities

Construction of facilities on a minor scale, such as restrooms or
boardwalks, to facilitate uses listed above and/or for the purpose of
minimizing harm to coastal resources due to public access and
recreation, may be allowed depending on the proposed use of the property
and the site environment.

The following activities are considered to be inconsistent:

-   Active agricultural (including timber) or aquaculture production;
    (Note: timbering on a limited scale may be allowed for
    conservation-oriented purposes such as habitat restoration, for
    example, to restore a forest that has been managed for timber
    production to a more native forest type or to create suitable
    habitat for threatened or endangered species);

-   Shoreline armoring or other hard erosion control structures; and

-   Construction or expansion of roads, buildings or facilities, except
    as noted under "eligible uses", or such facilities for active
    recreation as sports facilities, water parks, playgrounds, or
    similar uses.

Pre-existing uses, including term leases or life estates, must be
identified as part of the project application. NOAA will review such
uses for potential impacts and to determine whether they are consistent
with the purposes of the CELCP. If a project is approved with
pre-existing uses, such uses may not be expanded or converted to other
uses without prior approval of NOAA.

Terms and conditions specified in conservation easements must be
consistent with the purposes of the CELCP. NOAA will review conservation
easements to ensure that provisions are consistent with allowable uses
under the program.

F. Other

CELCP grants are subject to the terms and conditions described in
Section 2 (Eligibility Requirements) and Section 5 (Acceptance and Use
of Funds) of the CELCP guidelines. If any of the required documentation
is not available at the time of a final grant application, NOAA may
include special award conditions in the grant that must be met before
funds can be released.

[]{.mark}

IV. **[Application and Submission Information]{.underline}**

A. Address to Request Application Package

The full funding opportunity announcement and application materials are
available: via the grants.gov website:
*[http://www.grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/);* via NOAA's CELCP web
site under "Funding Opportunities"
(*<http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/land/celcp_fundingop.html>);* or
may be requested by contacting the program officials identified below.

TO REQUEST AN APPLICATION PACKAGE OR FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT:

CELCP Program Managers: Elaine Vaudreuil, OCRM, 301-713-3155 ext 103,
E-mail: <Elaine.Vaudreuil@noaa.gov> or Elisabeth Morgan, OCRM,
301-713-3155 ext 166, E-mail: <Elisabeth.Morgan@noaa.gov>.

B. Content and Form of Application Submission

Applications may be submitted electronically through Grants.gov at
*[http://www.grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/),* or a signed original
and four copies may be submitted by mail to the address listed below.
Each proposal should include all four Required Elements. Supplemental
Elements are not required at this time, but may also be submitted with
the project application. Applications must be received by the deadline
(refer to Submission Dates and Times).

Information regarding this announcement and additional background
information is available on the CELCP web site at
[*http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/land/welcome.html*](../%20http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/land/welcome.html%20).

1\. Proposals

Applications may be submitted electronically through Grants.gov at the
internet site: *[http://www.grants.gov](http://www.grants.gov/),* or a
signed original and four copies may be submitted by mail to the address
listed below. Applicants that do not currently have a grants.gov account
are encouraged to begin the process of registering as soon as possible.
Any color or high-resolution graphics, unusually sized materials, or
otherwise unusual materials submitted as part of the proposal should be
submitted by mail. For color graphics, please submit either color
originals or color copies. The stated requirements for the number of
proposal copies provides for a timely review process. No e-mailed or
faxed applications will be accepted.

2\. Required and Supplemental Elements

Each proposal should include the following four Required Elements. In
addition, the following five Supplemental Elements may be submitted if
they are available, but are not required with the proposal. For projects
that are selected for funding, Supplemental Elements and other standard
forms will be required either at the time a grant application is
submitted to NOAA or before grant funds can be released (see section 4.4
of the CELCP guidelines).

REQUIRED ELEMENTS *(for each project proposal)*

> \(1\) [Project Description/Scope of Work.]{.underline} The following
> information should be provided for the project site and any parcel
> that is to be used as match. The Project Description/Scope of Work
> should include information on the project site's size, location and
> relationship to coastal or estuarine features, environmental
> significance, the legal rights to be acquired, and any conversion
> threats to the property. The Project Description should specify: the
> primary purpose of the project (i.e., ecological, conservation,
> recreation, aesthetic, or historic); how the proposed project meets
> the state and national criteria and its expected benefits in terms of
> coastal and estuarine land conservation; what pre-existing uses exist
> on the property and the nature of those uses; what type of activities
> are planned for the project site and how the activities are consistent
> with the long-term protection of the site's ecological or other
> values. The project description should also describe a strategy for
> long-term stewardship, including information on how maintenance and
> enforcement against illegal uses will be supported. Finally, the
> project descriptions should specify a proposed award period for the
> grant, and include a project timeline with discrete benchmarks for
> completing the project within the requested award period. The Project
> Description/Scope of Work should also include photographs (2-15) of
> the project site that document the values described in the text of
> this Element. See the suggested template in Appendix B of this
> announcement.
>
> \(2\) [Project Budget and Justification of Proposed
> Costs]{.underline}. The project budget should include a breakdown of
> project costs and justification. See the suggested template in
> Appendix C of this announcement. Land acquisition costs should be
> based on appraised value or other estimate of fair market value.
> Section 2.5 of the CELCP guidelines outlines eligible and ineligible
> uses of CELCP funds. These are also described under "Eligibility
> Information" in Section III of this announcement. The project budget
> should also specify whether this project has been submitted in
> application for other sources of federal funding, and if, so which
> federal program(s) and year(s).
>
> \(3\) [Project Checklist.]{.underline} The Project Checklist supports
> NOAA in complying with requirements under NEPA and includes questions
> that will enable NOAA to determine if a project may have any adverse
> impacts and whether additional information maybe required to satisfy
> the requirements of applicable federal laws, regulations or policies.
> The project checklist can be found in the Funding Opportunities
> section of the CELCP website at
> [*http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/land/celcp_fundingop.html*](../%20http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/land/celcp_fundingop.html)
> and in Appendix D of this announcement.

\(4\) [Project Location and Site Maps.]{.underline} Two maps should be
submitted: (1) A regional map showing the general location of the
project and; (2) A map of the project site, showing the location and
extent of the proposed acquisition and its relationship to significant
natural features as well as adjacent land uses.

SUPPLEMENTAL ELEMENTS

The supplemental elements are not required with this proposal, but if
the project is selected and funded, these elements and other forms would
be required at the time a grant application is submitted to NOAA or
before grant funds can be released (see section 4.4 of the CELCP
guidelines).

\(1\) [Documentation of Willingness or Intent to Sell.]{.underline} If
available, the applicant should submit documentation of any option
agreement, signed contract, or letter documenting that a seller is
willing to consider or has accepted an offer to purchase, as described
in Section 4.2.f. of the CELCP guidelines.

\(2\) [Appraisal.]{.underline} If available, the applicant should submit
a self-contained appraisal documenting the cost of the property. The
appraisal must be developed in accordance with the Uniform Standards of
Professional Appraisal Practice, which can be found on the internet at
[*http://www.appraisalfoundation.org/s_appraisal/sec.asp?CID=3&DID=3*](http://www.appraisalfoundation.org/s_appraisal/sec.asp?CID=3&DID=3)
and the Uniform Appraisal Standards for Federal Land Acquisition
("Yellow Book"), which can be found on the internet at
[*http://www.usdoj.gov/enrd/land-ack/*](http://www.usdoj.gov/enrd/land-ack/).

\(3\) [Environmental Assessment or Environmental Impact Statement.
(Optional)]{.underline} If available, the applicant should submit any
environmental assessment or environmental impact statement that has been
done for the project site.

\(4\) [Site Survey/Plat Map]{.underline}. If available, the applicant
should submit a survey plat of the project site.

\(5\) [Evidence of Title.]{.underline} If available, the applicant
should submit documentation that shows that the seller is the legal
owner of the property and identifies any easements or other encumbrances
on the property to be acquired. Examples of such documentation include
an attorney title opinion or property report from a title insurance
company.

C. Submission Dates and Times

The proposal may be submitted electronically through Grants.gov at the
internet site: [*http://www.grants.gov*](http://www.grants.gov/) or by
mailing an original and four copies of each proposal to Attn: Elaine
Vaudreuil, NOAA, Ocean and Coastal Resource Management, National Policy
and Evaluation Division (N/ORM7), 1305 East-West Highway, SSMC4, Station
10657, Silver Spring MD 20910.

The deadline for receipt of proposals through Grants.gov or at the OCRM
office is 11:59 p.m. EST October 27, 2006. It is strongly recommended
that applicants allow sufficient time for delivery of materials, whether
electronically or by mail, to OCRM by the deadline. If submitting
electronically, applicants are advised to leave time to ensure that the
application is correctly submitted; initial processing by grants.gov can
take up to 24 hours. If submitting by mail, use of a guaranteed delivery
service is preferred due to the potential for security-related delays in
delivery of mail sent via standard postal service.

D. Intergovernmental Review

Applications under this program are subject to Executive Order 12372,
"Intergovernmental Review of Federal Programs." If the state
participates in this process, a list of participating states and the
clearinghouse point of contacts can be found at
http://www.whitehouse.gov/omb/grants/spoc.html.

E. Funding Restrictions

Awards will contain special award conditions that recipients must meet
as a term of accepting the grant, such as the requirement to record
language in the property deed or conservation easement restricting the
use and disposition of the property, as well as to install a permanent
sign at the site acknowledging NOAA's funding. Other special award
conditions may be included if not already met by the time a final grant
application is submitted. A sample list of the conditions can be found
at:
[*http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/land/media/CELCPAttachment3.pdf*](http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/land/media/CELCPAttachment3.pdf).

F. Other Submission Requirements

Eligible coastal states may submit up to three projects for review under
this competition. The maximum amount that may be requested for the
Federal share of each project is \$3,000,000. Interested parties should
contact the appropriate state's CELCP lead for additional information on
the state's project solicitation process or any additional state
requirements that may apply.

**V. [Application Review Information]{.underline}**

A. Evaluation Criteria for Projects:

[I. Importance and/or relevance of proposed project to the program
goals. (55 points out of 110)]{.underline}

This evaluation factor ascertains whether there is intrinsic value in
the proposed work and/or relevance to NOAA, federal, regional, state, or
local activities. For this competition, this means ascertaining the
ecological, conservation, recreational, aesthetic, historical/cultural
value of the proposed project as well as the public benefits gained from
the long-term protection and management of the property. Projects will
be reviewed and ranked according to the degree to which they:

-   protect important coastal, and estuarine areas that have significant
    conservation, recreation, ecological, historical/cultural, or
    aesthetic values;

-   support their primary purpose (whether conservation, recreation,
    ecological, etc.), as well as the degree to which they contribute to
    the other values; and,

-   advance the priorities within a state's Coastal and Estuarine Land
    Conservation Plan and the goals, objectives, or implementation of
    the state's coastal management plan approved under the CZMA, a NERR
    management plan approved under the CZMA, or regional, state or local
    watershed protection plan.

Priority will be given to projects that:

-   protect lands with significant ecological value, and

-   advance the priorities within a state's Coastal and Estuarine Land
    Conservation Plan or the state's coastal management program approved
    under the CZMA.

Each applicant should identify the primary purpose of the project as
being protection of ecological, conservation, recreational, aesthetic,
or historic value. A description of the five purposes follows. The other
four values will be evaluated as secondary purposes of the project.
Applicants should also describe the values provided by any lands
proposed for use as in-kind match. For large parcels or projects, for
which the CELCP \$\$ is only a portion, please describe the
characteristics of the portion of the property or project area that
would be acquired with CELCP funding.

**Ecological value** will be evaluated by the degree to which a project
exhibits such features as: exceptional natural habitat quality and
species diversity; linkages within an ecological corridor or protection
of a large area of unfragmented habitat; provides habitat for threatened
or endangered species; supports ecological functions (such as filtering
pollutants or flood control); or whether the site is altered by the
presence of invasive species, etc. The CELCP authority specifies that
priority be given to projects that protect lands with significant
ecological value, so this element will receive a higher weighting than
the other four values described below.

> In order for this criterion to be evaluated, applicants should
> describe:

-   the different habitat types that are found on the project site (e.g.
    upland forest, scrub/shrub, fields), provide information on the
    habitat quality, including any impairments such as invasive/exotic
    species, and provide estimated acreages for the different habitat
    types;

-   the ecological importance of the acquisition for the region,
    particularly in relation to coastal and estuarine resources and
    ecosystems. For example, discuss the species diversity on the
    project site, and/or if the site contains habitat of specific
    importance to the region, and/or if protecting the site is an
    important part of protecting ecological connections in the region.
    If the project site is part of a network of existing or proposed
    protected areas, describe how the project will enhance linkages
    among ecologically important areas in the region.

-   how the habitat supports, or may support, federal or state listed,
    threatened or endangered species. For example, does the site provide
    enough acreage to support a viable population of an endangered
    species or will it enhance existing protected areas that already
    provide habitat for a viable population of an endangered species?

**Conservation value** will be evaluated by the degree to which a
project: helps attain the goals of a larger conservation plan or
comprehensive plan, even though it may not currently exhibit high
intrinsic ecological, recreational value or other values (for example,
migratory corridors, setbacks or stream buffers, etc.); has potential to
contribute significantly to ecological, recreational or other values if
restored; exhibits a strong mix of ecological, recreation, historic and
aesthetic values that collectively contribute important benefits to the
coastal and estuarine environment that are not provided by those values
individually, etc.

In order for this criterion to be evaluated, applicants should describe:

-   how the property fits within a larger conservation plan, such as a
    state's CELCP or coastal management plan or other comprehensive
    coastal or watershed protection plan;

-   how acquisition of the site will help establish corridors and/or
    linkages among areas of significant conservation, ecological,
    recreational or aesthetic values that are already protected.

-   whether restoration is planned for the site and the potential for
    successfully restoring the site\'s ecological values if the site\'s
    ecological values are impaired due to circumstances that have
    affected the site\'s integrity, (such as invasive/exotic species
    and/or other alterations such as dikes or clearing for agricultural
    and silivicultural uses);

-   whether the project exhibits a mix of ecological, recreation,
    historic and aesthetic values that together contribute important
    benefits to the coastal and estuarine environment that are not
    provided by those values individually.

**Recreational value** will be evaluated by the degree to which a
project provides opportunities for public access to and/or recreational
enjoyment of the coast, and supports plans for addressing public access
and coastal recreation needs.

In order for this criterion to be evaluated, applicants should describe:

-   the property's significance or contribution with regard to
    coast-dependent or nature-based recreation and whether the project
    supports priorities for recreational access identified in a state's
    CELCP plan or other assessment of needs for coastal recreation;

-   whether the coastal access is located in an area of determined need
    at the local, regional, or national level; and

-   whether the project site will be easily accessible to many people
    and/or whether there will be any limits on accessibility for
    recreation, for example only allowing guided tours or having the
    site open only at certain times of the year.

**Historic value** will be evaluated by the degree to which a project
contains significant historical, cultural, or archaeological features,
particularly related to historical or traditional use of the coastal and
estuarine environment, such as a site or landscape that is: listed in,
or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places;
designated or eligible for designation as a National Historic Landmark;
or designated by a state or local government.

> In order for this criterion to be evaluated, applicants should:

-   Describe historical, cultural, or archaeological features of
    significant value, for example, features that are designated or
    could be designated as a National Historical Landmark or are listed
    on the National Register of Historic Places or a State or Local
    Register of Historic places. Please include information about any
    formal designation the site has received.

-   If applicable, explain whether the site contains evidence of
    historical, cultural, or archaeological features that have not been
    formally evaluated.

**Aesthetic value** will be evaluated in terms of the degree to which a
project protects scenic vistas looking toward or from the site, or
protects sites designated as scenic byways or scenic rivers, or other
state or locally designated cultural landscapes

In order for this criterion to be evaluated, applicants should describe:

-   the views to be preserved by this acquisition and the contribution
    this property makes to the surrounding area;

-   whether the project protects a site designated nationally as a
    scenic byway or wild and scenic river or provides a buffer adjacent
    to a nationally designated site or provides a buffer for these
    designated areas;

-   whether the project supports a local or state designated scenic
    route, river trail, or other cultural landscape; and

-   any other significant contribution(s) this property makes to the
    aesthetic character of the surrounding area.

**Relevance to state CELCP or other conservation plans**: In order to
evaluate whether a project advances the priorities within a state's
Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Plan, the state's coastal
management program approved under the CZMA or other coastal or watershed
planning effort, applicants should describe:

-   how the project is part of an integral priority/project area
    described in a state's CELCP Plan, if applicable (see list of draft
    state CELCP plans in Appendix A);

-   how the project contributes to a state's coastal management plan
    and/or NERR management plan (if applicable) approved under the CZMA;

-   how the project supports a regional and/or state watershed planning
    effort; and

-   how the project supports a local watershed planning effort.

Projects from states that have completed a draft CELCP plan are eligible
to receive extra credit for how well a project addresses the priorities
specified in the state's CELCP plan. All projects are eligible to
receive credit for how well they address each of the other types of
plans or planning efforts described above.

[II. Technical/Scientific Merit (25 points out of 110)]{.underline}

This ascertains whether the approach is technically sound and/or
innovative, if the methods are appropriate, and whether there are clear
project goals and objectives. For this competition, this means projects
will be reviewed and ranked according to the degree to which they:

-   Can be effectively managed and protected over the long-term to
    conserve or restore its ecological, conservation, recreation,
    aesthetic, or historical/cultural values;

-   Are threatened by conversion from their natural or recreational
    state to other uses; and

-   Can be executed within the performance period.

Priority will be given to projects that can be effectively managed and
protected.

The degree to which a project can be effectively managed and protected
over the long-term will be evaluated in terms of land stewardship and/or
need for restoration or enhancement, based on such factors as whether:
the land is currently in the desired state for its intended purpose
(e.g. land with ecological value does not require restoration, control
of invasive species or remediation); surrounding land uses are
compatible with long-term conservation of the site's values; and
proposed uses of the site are compatible with the primary purpose for
which the land is to be protected and will maintain or improve the
values present on the site. The CELCP authority specifies that priority
be given to projects that can be effectively managed and protected, so
"manageability" and "long-term use" will receive a higher weighting than
the other two elements described below.

To evaluate the manageability of the property, applicants should
describe:

-   the current use and/or condition of the site;

-   the current or proposed uses of the area surrounding the site (e.g.
    development plans or uses allowed by zoning);

-   degree of non-native species found in the different habitats on the
    project site;

-   whether any restoration is needed and planned and whether funding
    has been secured for that purpose; and

-   any environmental remediation that has taken place and/or is needed
    on the project site.

To evaluate the long-term use of the site, applicants should describe:

-   the uses that are proposed for the project site;

-   how the uses proposed for the project site are compatible with the
    primary purpose of the project; and

-   how the ecological, conservation, recreation, historic, and
    aesthetic values present on the project site will be maintained or
    improved.

Threat of conversion will be evaluated by the degree to which: regional
development trends or plans indicate a likelihood that the property will
be converted from its natural or recreational state to other uses; the
site has development potential or development plans have been approved
by local governing or regulatory bodies; the property is on the market
(listed for sale) and/or the current owner has expressed an interest in
selling or developing the parcel.

To evaluate the threat of conversion, applicants should describe:

-   current development pressures in the project area;

-   the development potential of the site, including current zoning and
    developable area; and

-   the current status of the property, such as whether listed for sale
    and/or whether any subdivision or development plans are pending for
    the site.

Project readiness will be evaluated by the likelihood that a project can
be completed during the performance period, including such factors as
whether: sites have been identified, the property is on the market
and/or negotiations with landowner have resulted in a purchase/sale
agreement; appraisal, title opinion and other documentation have been
completed or can be produced within the performance period; and the site
has any uncertainties (such as liens or judgments) that are not likely
to be resolved within the proposed award performance period.

To evaluate project readiness, the applicant should describe:

-   whether parcels or project sites have been identified;

-   the stage of discussion with landowners, such as whether preliminary
    contacts have been made or whether negotiations have resulted (or
    are likely to result) in a purchase and sale agreement.

-   whether supporting documentation has been completed;

-   whether the property is subject to litigation, liens, judgments or
    other situations that may affect the likelihood that a project could
    be completed within the award period; and

-   whether the site has had or currently has contamination or other
    environmental hazards that must be resolved before it would be
    suitable for public use.

[III. Overall Qualifications of Applicants (10 points out of 110)
--]{.underline}

This ascertains whether the applicant possesses the necessary education,
experience, training, facilities, and administrative resources to
accomplish the project. For this competition, this means projects will
be evaluated by the degree to which an applicant has the proven capacity
(such as staffing, resources, authority and expertise) and experience to
execute the land transaction consistent with CELCP guidelines and,
directly or through partnerships, to manage property for long-term
conservation of its ecological, conservation, recreation, aesthetic, or
historical/cultural values, consistent with CELCP guidelines.

To evaluate the applicant's ability to acquire land, applicants should
describe:

-   the organization's legal authority, personnel and expertise for
    acquiring lands for long-term conservation, either directly or
    through partnerships with another organization; and

-   the organization's previous success in acquiring lands, or interests
    in lands, for long-term conservation purposes.

To evaluate the applicant's ability to manage land, applicants should
describe:

-   the organization's capacity, in terms of funding, personnel and
    expertise to manage the property or whether the property will be
    managed through a partnership or stewardship agreement with another
    organization; and

-   the organization's success in managing other properties for
    conservation purposes.

[IV. Project Costs (20 points out of 110) --]{.underline}

The Budget is evaluated to determine if it is realistic and commensurate
with the project needs and timeframe. For this competition, this means
the budget is evaluated to determine: if land acquisition costs are
reasonable and based on an independent appraisal or other assessment of
fair market value; if the source of non-Federal matching funds is
consistent with CELCP guidelines and is likely to be available within
the performance period; and if direct and indirect costs for
implementation of the project, if requested, are reasonable and
consistent with CELCP guidelines. As the majority of project costs,
greater weight will be given to the evaluation of land acquisition costs
and matching funds than to other project costs.

To evaluate land acquisition costs, applicants should describe:

-   How land acquisition costs were estimated, for example whether based
    on independent appraisal or upon another assessment of fair market
    value;

-   Any other direct acquisition-related costs, such as appraisal, title
    opinion, etc., including whether such costs have already been
    expended

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-   The source of matching funds and whether they are they are in the
    form of cash, in-kind, or donated land or land value from properties
    that enhance the proposed CELCP project.

-   Whether matching funds are currently available or expected to be
    available within the performance period;

-   For any property(s) that will be used for match, what values the
    property contributes, how this property(s) relates, in purpose and
    physical features, to the property that is proposed for acquisition
    with the federal share, when the match property was acquired, what
    legal rights were acquired (whether fee or easement), who holds
    title to legal rights, and the basis for the purchase price (*e.g.*
    whether based on independent appraisal, etc.); and

-   any other administrative costs to be charged to the grant or in-kind
    services to be used as match to document that they are reasonable
    and commensurate with the project needs.

For large parcels or projects, for which the requested CELCP funding is
only a portion, please explain:

-   what portion of the property the CELCP funding would acquire; and

-   whether the project would be viable if funding from other sources
    did not become available within the grant performance period. For
    example, could the project be completed in phases?

[V. Outreach and Education (0 points out of 110) --]{.underline}

NOAA assesses whether the project provides a focused and effective and
outreach strategy regarding NOAA's mission to protect the Nation's
natural resources. This evaluation factor will not be used for this
competition.

B. Review and Selection Process

Once a full application has been received, NOAA will conduct an initial
administrative review to determine compliance with requirements,
completeness of the application and eligibility of proposed costs and
uses of property. All proposals will be evaluated and scored
individually in accordance with the assigned weights of the above
evaluation criteria by an independent peer mail review or by an
independent peer panel review. Both Federal and non-Federal experts may
be used in this process. Reviewers will evaluate the proposals, score
them based on the criteria listed above, and submit individual ratings
to NOAA. Each proposal will be reviewed by at least three reviewers.

Every project will be scored by the same number of reviewers. The scores
will be presented to the program officers and averaged for a final
score. No consensus advice will be given by the independent peer mail
review or the review panel. The program officers will neither vote or
score proposals as part of the independent peer review process nor
participate in discussion of the merits of the proposal.

The merit reviewers' ratings will be used to produce a rank order of the
proposals. Their recommendations and evaluations will be considered by
the Federal program officers for NOAA who will recommend to the
Assistant Administrator, National Ocean Service, National Oceanic and
Atmospheric Administration (the selecting official) that a final list be
ranked in order unless the proposal is justified to be selected out of
rank order based upon the appropriate selection factors.

The final ranked list will be provided to Congress by the Department of
Commerce. Subsequent grant administration procedures will be in
accordance with current DOC and NOAA grant administration procedures.

Selection Factors:

The selecting official may choose to recommend a proposal out of rank
order based upon:

1.  Availability of Funding.

2.  Geographic Distribution of Projects and/or Funds.

> 3\. Program Priorities and Policy Factors as set forth in Section IA
> and IV.B above.
>
> 4\. Whether this project duplicates other projects funded or
> considered for funding by NOAA or other federal agencies.
>
> 5\. Applicant's prior award performance.
>
> 6\. Adequacy of information necessary for NOAA staff to make a NEPA
> determination and draft necessary documentation before recommendations
> are made to the Grants Officer.

Applicants may be asked to modify objectives, work plans, or budgets,
and to provide supplemental information required by the agency prior to
approving a final grant application. NOAA will review appraisals to
determine if they are in accordance with the Uniform Standards of
Professional Appraisal Practice and the Uniform Appraisal Standards for
Federal Land Acquisition. If the appraisals are not in accordance with
these Standards, the Applicant may be required to obtain further
information from the appraiser or get the appraisal revised.
Alternately, the project award funding could be adjusted to reflect a
lower value.

When a decision has been made (whether an award or declination),
summaries of merit reviews and panel deliberations, if any, will be made
available to the proposer upon request. Declined applications will be
held in the NOS/OCRM for the required three years in accordance with the
current retention requirements, and then destroyed.

C. Anticipated Announcement and Award Dates

The review of the proposals will begin in November 2006. The prioritized
list should be completed by April 1, 2007, for consideration in the FY
2008 appropriations process. An FY 2008 appropriations bill would likely
be finalized in the Fall of 2007. NOAA will request final grant
applications for projects selected for funding shortly thereafter. The
proposed project timeline should assume a start date between March 1,
2008 and October 1, 2008.

**VI. [Award Administration Information]{.underline}**

A. Award Notices

The applicant will receive notification in spring of 2007 advising them
if they have been selected for the FY 2008 priority list. Grants are
contingent on availability of funding through FY 2008 appropriations. If
funding is made available for selected projects, applicants will need to
submit a grant application to NOAA consistent with Section 4.4 of the
CELCP guidelines sometime between January and June of 2008.

After submission of a grant application, the notice of award is signed
by the NOAA Grants Officer and is the authorizing document. It is
provided by postal mail to the authorized representative of the
recipient organization (i.e., the individual who signed the application,
if the recipient organization has not previously been a NOAA grant
recipient). For entities that are already enrolled in NOAA's on-line
award management system, award notification and management will be
handled electronically. New recipients will receive information about
enrolling in this system.

B. Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program Policy Requirements

The project proposal must meet the CELCP guidelines published in June
2003. The Guidelines are located at
[*http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/land/media/celcpfinal02guidelines.pdf*](../%20http://coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/land/media/celcpfinal02guidelines.pdf%20)
.

C. Administrative and National Environmental Policy Act Requirements

1\. Administrative Requirements

Successful applicants that accept a NOAA award under this solicitation
will be bound by Department of Commerce standard terms and conditions.
This document will be provided with a copy of the award by the NOAA
Grants Office, and can be found at:
[[http://www.osec.doc.gov/oebam/pdf/ST&C-rev-1002.pdf]{.underline}](http://www.osec.doc.gov/oebam/pdf/ST&C-rev-1002.pdf).

In addition, award documents provided by the NOAA Grants Office may
contain special award conditions limiting the use of funds for
activities that have outstanding environmental compliance requirements
to fulfill, and/or stating other compliance requirements for the award
as applicable, such as the required provision of an appraisal, title
opinion, and deed language as described in CELCP guidelines, or
requirements approved by OMB under control number 0648-0459 for
submitting semi-annual progress reports.

Limitation of Liability - In no event will NOAA or the Department of
Commerce be responsible for proposal preparation costs if these programs
fail to receive funding or are cancelled because of other agency
priorities. Publication of this announcement does not oblige NOAA to
award any specific project or to obligate any available funds.

2\. NEPA Requirements

NOAA must analyze the potential environmental impacts, as required by
the National

Environmental Policy Act (NEPA), for applicant projects or proposals
that are seeking NOAA federal funding opportunities. Detailed
information on NOAA compliance with NEPA can be found at the following
NOAA NEPA website:
[[http://www.nepa.noaa.gov/]{.underline}](http://www.nepa.noaa.gov/),
including NOAA Administrative Order 216-6 for NEPA,
[[http://www.nepa.noaa.gov/NAO216_6_TOC.pdf]{.underline}](http://www.nepa.noaa.gov/NAO216_6_TOC.pdf),
and the Council on Environmental Quality implementation regulations,
[[http://ceq.eh.doe.gov/nepa/regs/ceq/toc_ceq.htm]{.underline}](http://ceq.eh.doe.gov/nepa/regs/ceq/toc_ceq.htm).
Consequently, as part of an applicant\'s package, and under their
description of their program activities, applicants are required to
provide detailed information on the activities to be conducted,
locations, sites, species and habitat to be affected, possible
construction activities, and any environmental concerns that may exist
(e.g., the use and disposal of hazardous or toxic chemicals,
introduction of non-indigenous species, impacts to endangered and
threatened species, aquaculture projects, and impacts to coral reef
systems).

In addition to providing specific information that will serve as the
basis for any required impact analyses, applicants may also be requested
to assist NOAA in drafting an environmental assessment if NOAA
determines an assessment is required. Applicants will also be required
to cooperate with NOAA in identifying feasible measures to reduce or
avoid any identified adverse environmental impacts of their proposal.
The failure to do so shall be grounds for denial of an application.

> 3\. Pre-Award Notification Requirements for Grants and Cooperative
>
> Agreements

The Department of Commerce Pre-Award Notification Requirements for
Grants and Cooperative Agreements contained in the *Federal Register*
notice of December 30, 2004 (69 FR 78389) are applicable to this
solicitation.

D. Reporting

Financial reports are to be submitted to the NOAA Grants Officer.
Performance reports are to be submitted to the NOAA program officer.
Financial and performance reports are semi-annual.

**VII. [Agency Contacts]{.underline}**

CELCP Program Managers: Elaine Vaudreuil, OCRM, 301-713-3155 ext 103,
internet: <Elaine.Vaudreuil@noaa.gov> or Elisabeth Morgan, OCRM,
301-713-3155 ext 166, E-mail <Elisabeth.Morgan@noaa.gov>

*Appendix A: List of states that have completed draft CELCP plans*

The following states have completed, and submitted to NOAA, a draft
CELCP plan by the time of this competition and are eligible to receive
additional credit for how well a project addresses priorities contained
within the state's plan.

Eligible coastal states not listed here may still participate in the
competition, but projects from those states are not eligible to receive
additional credit for addressing a state's CELCP plan.

> Alabama North Carolina
>
> California Northern Mariana Islands
>
> Connecticut Ohio
>
> Delaware Oregon
>
> Georgia Pennsylvania
>
> Maine Rhode Island
>
> Maryland South Carolina
>
> Massachusetts Texas
>
> New Hampshire\* Washington
>
> New York Wisconsin

*\* Plan is pending review.*

*Appendix B: Suggested Template for Project Description/Scope of Work*

**[Number range CHAPTERTitle of Project]{.underline}**

**Project Description/Scope of Work**

Below is a suggested format for describing a proposed project. The
project description should provide information for the parcel(s) to be
acquired or for which an easement is being obtained with CELCP, as well
as for matching funds. If the non-federal match will be provided through
in-kind contribution of another parcel, the project description should
also provide information about the match parcel(s).

**[Project Size and Relationship to the Coast and/or
Estuary]{.underline}** -- Include the total acreage and length of
frontage on coastal waters and/or describe the site's proximity and
relationship to a coastal or estuarine area.

[**Legal Rights to Be Acquired**]{.underline}

-   Describe if the property will be held in fee simple ownership or if
    a conservation easement and/or public access easement will be
    acquired.

**[CELCP Goals]{.underline}**. **What values are contained within the
proposed project or property to be acquired?**

> Note: Please identify which ONE of the following values best describes
> the project's primary purpose for protection under the CELCP --
> ecological, conservation, recreation, historic, or aesthetic. Please
> provide any applicable information on how the project contributes to
> each of these values. Each project will be judged first on how the
> project furthers its primary purpose and also how well it furthers the
> other four purposes.

**PRIMARY PURPOSE** is \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

1.  **Ecological -** Please describe:

    -   the different habitat types that are found on the project site
        (e.g. upland forest, scrub/shrub, fields), provide information
        on the habitat quality, including any impairments such as
        invasive/exotic species, and provide estimated acreages for the
        different habitat types;

    -   the ecological importance of the acquisition for the region,
        particularly in relation to coastal and estuarine resources and
        ecosystems. For example, discuss the species diversity on the
        project site, and/or if the site contains habitat of specific
        importance to the region, and/or if protecting the site is an
        important part of protecting ecological connections in the
        region. If the project site is part of a network of existing or
        proposed protected areas, describe how the project will enhance
        linkages among ecologically important areas in the region.

    -   how the habitat supports, or may support, federal or state
        listed, threatened or endangered species. For example, does the
        site provide enough acreage to support a viable population of an
        endangered species or will it enhance existing protected areas
        that already provide habitat for a viable population of an
        endangered species?

2.  **Conservation -** Please describe:

    -   how the property fits within a larger conservation plan, such as
        a state's CELCP or coastal management plan or other
        comprehensive coastal or watershed protection plan;

    -   how acquisition of the site will help establish corridors and/or
        linkages among areas of significant conservation, ecological,
        recreational or aesthetic values that are already protected.

    -   whether restoration is planned for the site and the potential
        for successfully restoring the site\'s ecological values if the
        site\'s ecological values are impaired due to circumstances that
        have affected the site\'s integrity, (such as invasive/exotic
        species and/or other alterations such as dikes or clearing for
        agricultural and silivicultural uses);

    -   whether the project exhibits a mix of ecological, recreation,
        historic and aesthetic values that together contribute important
        benefits to the coastal and estuarine environment that are not
        provided by those values individually.

> **3. Recreational -** Please describe:

-   the property's significance or contribution with regard to
    coast-dependent or nature-based recreation and whether the project
    supports priorities for recreational access identified in a state's
    CELCP plan or other assessment of needs for coastal recreation;

-   whether the coastal access is located in an area of determined need
    at the local, regional, or national level; and

-   whether the project site will be easily accessible to many people
    and/or whether there will be any limits on accessibility for
    recreation, for example only allowing guided tours or having the
    site open only at certain times of the year.

> **4. Historical** -

-   Please describe the historical, cultural, or archaeological features
    of significant value, for example, features that are designated or
    could be designated as a National Historical Landmark or are listed
    on the National Register of Historic Places or a State or Local
    Register of Historic places. Please include information about any
    formal designation the site has received.

-   If applicable, explain whether the site contains evidence of
    historical, cultural, or archaeological features that have not been
    formally evaluated.

5.  **Aesthetic** - Please describe:

-   the views to be preserved by this acquisition and the contribution
    this property makes to the surrounding area;

-   whether the project protects a site designated nationally as a
    scenic byway or wild and scenic river or provides a buffer adjacent
    to a nationally designated site or provides a buffer for these
    designated areas;

-   whether the project supports a local or state designated scenic
    route, river trail, or other cultural landscape; and

-   any other significant contribution(s) this property makes to the
    aesthetic character of the surrounding area.

**[Relevance to CELCP and Other State/Local Plans]{.underline}**

Please describe:

-   how the project is part of an integral priority/project area
    described in a state's CELCP Plan, if applicable (see list of draft
    state CELCP plans in Appendix A);

-   how the project contributes to a state's coastal management plan
    and/or NERR management plan (if applicable) approved under the CZMA;

-   how the project supports a regional and/or state watershed planning
    effort; and

-   how the project supports a local watershed planning effort.

**[Manageability of the Project Site]{.underline}**

Please describe:

-   the current use and/or condition of the site;

-   the current or proposed uses of the area surrounding the site (e.g.
    development plans or uses allowed by zoning);

-   degree of non-native species found in the different habitats on the
    project site;

-   whether any restoration is needed and planned and whether funding
    has been secured for that purpose; and

-   any environmental remediation that has taken place and/or is needed
    on the project site.

**[Long-term Use of the Site]{.underline}**

> Please describe:

-   the uses that are proposed for the project site;

-   how the uses proposed for the project site are compatible with the
    primary purpose of the project; and

-   how the ecological, conservation, recreation, historic, and
    aesthetic values present on the project site will be maintained or
    improved.

**[Threat of Conversion]{.underline}**

> Please describe:

-   current development pressures in the project area;

-   the development potential of the site, including current zoning and
    developable area; and

-   the current status of the property, such as whether listed for sale
    and/or whether any subdivision or development plans are pending for
    the site.

**[Project Readiness]{.underline}**

> Please describe:

-   whether parcels or project sites have been identified;

-   the stage of discussion with landowners, such as whether preliminary
    contacts have been made or whether negotiations have resulted (or
    are likely to result) in a purchase and sale agreement.

-   whether supporting documentation has been completed;

-   whether the property is subject to litigation, liens, judgments or
    other situations that may affect the likelihood that a project could
    be completed within the award period; and

-   whether the site has had or currently has contamination or other
    environmental hazards that must be resolved before it would be
    suitable for public use.

**[Ability to Acquire Land]{.underline}**

> Please describe:

-   the organization's legal authority, personnel and expertise for
    acquiring lands for long-term conservation, either directly or
    through partnerships with another organization; and

-   the organization's previous success in acquiring lands, or interests
    in lands, for long-term conservation purposes.

**[Ability to Manage Land]{.underline}**

> Please describe:

-   the organization's capacity, in terms of funding, personnel and
    expertise to manage the property or whether the property will be
    managed through a partnership or stewardship agreement with another
    organization; and

-   the organization's success in managing other properties for
    conservation purposes.

**[Other Pertinent Information]{.underline}**

-   If available, please include photographs of the project site that
    document the values described above.

**Project Timeline**

Please specify a proposed award period for the grant, and include a
project timeline with discrete benchmarks for completing the project
within the requested award period. The proposed project timeline should
assume a start date between March 1, 2008 and October 1, 2008. The
standard financial assistance award period is 18 months, and may be
extended an additional 18 months if circumstances warrant.

Example: June 1, 2008 -- December 31, 2009

Benchmarks: Describe the steps required to bring your project to closure
during the timeframe of the award. Include target dates by which you
expect to complete each of these steps and close on the property.
Examples of benchmarks include:

-   Identify site(s) for purchase

-   Acquire appraisal, title opinion

-   Complete negotiations with landowner(s)

-   Submit documentation to NOAA for approval

-   Close on property

*Appendix C: Suggested Template for Project Budget*

**[Title of Project]{.underline}**

**Project Budget and Justification of Proposed Costs**

Below is a suggested format for providing information about the
project's budget. Please keep in mind:

-   The total budget needs to reflect the 1:1 match requirement.

-   Grants from other federal funding sources may not be used to meet
    state/local match except as allowed by law.

-   Match may not have been used previously for any other project.

-   If any in-kind match is to be used (including donated land value,
    staff support or other services, the budget narrative should specify
    the amount and explain the relevance to the project.

-   If the budget includes costs other than purchase price, (such as
    costs for title opinion, appraisal, environmental assessment, etc.),
    please explain in the budget narrative.

-   The proposed budget should be consistent with the eligibility
    information described in section III of the Full Funding Opportunity
    notice.

**BUDGET NARRATIVE**

**[Federal share:]{.underline}**

For the parcel(s) to be acquired with CELCP funds, please describe how
the project costs were estimated. Please explain:

-   what legal rights will be acquired (fee title or conservation
    easement);

-   the basis for establishing the land acquisition costs. If based on
    appraised value, please explain when the appraisal was conducted and
    what appraisal standards were used. If based on market price or
    other estimate of fair market value, please explain the basis for
    this estimate; and

-   any other costs included within the requested Federal share of CELCP
    funding to document that they are reasonable costs and necessary for
    the successful completion of the project.

> If the requested funding from CELCP is only a portion of the total
> purchase price of the property, please explain whether or how the
> project would be viable if remaining funds cannot be secured. For
> example, could the property be acquired in phases? Would the CELCP
> funds be used to acquire an easement on a portion of the property?

**[Non-Federal Matching Funds:]{.underline}**

-   Describe the source of matching funds and whether they are they are
    in the form of cash, in-kind contributions, donated land value (from
    a bargain sale), or value of lands that were acquired or received as
    a donation up to 3 years prior to the date of final grant
    application that are substantially related to the property to be
    acquired with CELCP funding.

-   If cash contribution, please discuss whether the funds are currently
    available or expected to be available within the performance period.
    What is the source of funding? Have actions been taken to secure the
    necessary funds within the proposed award period?

-   If in-kind contribution of land or donated land value, please
    explain:

-   whether the property has already been acquired (through purchase or
    donation) and, if so, when,

-   what legal rights were acquired or will be acquired,

-   who holds title to or will hold title to the property or
    conservation easement,

-   the distance and physical or strategic connection between the match
    property and the property(ies) to be acquired with CELCP funds; and

-   the basis for establishing the land acquisition costs or donated
    land value. If based on appraised value, please explain when the
    appraisal was conducted and what appraisal standards were used. If
    based on market price or other estimate of fair market value, please
    explain the basis for this estimate.

-   If other in-kind services such as direct staff support,
    acquisition-related expenses (such as title, appraisal, etc.) or
    restoration or remediation of the property to be acquired with CELCP
    funds, please provide details to document that they are reasonable
    costs and necessary for the successful completion of the project.

> **[Other:]{.underline}**

-   Will the property be leased or rented? (for example, if already
    subject to a term lease). If so, please explain how revenues will be
    used in support of the project.

-   Will the public be charged a user fee for access to or activities on
    the proposed property? If so, please explain how revenues will be
    used in support of the project.

-   Has the proposed project been submitted to or is it currently under
    consideration by other programs for funding? \_\_\_ Yes \_\_\_No.

> If yes, which program(s) and which fiscal year(s)? Does the funding
> requested from other programs duplicate or complement the funding
> requested under CELCP?
>
> *Note: This information will enable NOAA to coordinate with the
> relevant program to avoid duplication if a proposed project is
> selected and approved for funding by another program in an earlier
> funding cycle.*

**Budget Overview Table -- Suggested Format**

*If the total cost of the project is greater than the requested CELCP
funding (plus required matching funds), please identify the costs
associated the full project, including funding from other sources.*

*Otherwise, please fill out only the CELCP budget table.*

  -------------- --------------- ------------------------ ----------------
  **Category**   **Amount *(Note **Funding Source(s)      **Funds Already
                 if cash or      *(Include information    Expended?
                 in-kind value   from all contributors to *(yes/no) If so,
                 of land/        the project) ***         when?***
                 services)***                             

                 \$                                       

                                                          

                                                          

                                                          

                                                          

  **TOTAL                                                 
  Cost:**                                                 
  -------------- --------------- ------------------------ ----------------

*(Suggested Categories: Land, Appraisals, Title Opinion, etc...)*

**CELCP Budget Table -- Suggested Format**

*Please identify the costs associated only with requested CELCP funding
and required matching funds.*

+-----------+--------+--------+---------+-------------------+---------+
| **C       | **F    | **S    | **      | **Funding Source  | **Funds |
| ategory** | ederal | tate/L | Total** | (for Non-Federal  | Already |
|           | Share  | ocal** |         | share)**          | Ex      |
|           | from   |        |         |                   | pended? |
|           | C      | **Matc |         | ***- Note whether | *(      |
|           | ELCP** | hing** |         | funding is from   | yes/no) |
|           |        |        |         | cash or in-kind   | W       |
|           |        | **S    |         | value of land or  | hen?*** |
|           |        | hare** |         | services***       |         |
+-----------+--------+--------+---------+-------------------+---------+
| Land      | \$     | \$     | \$      |                   |         |
| Ac        |        |        |         |                   |         |
| quisition |        |        |         |                   |         |
+-----------+--------+--------+---------+-------------------+---------+
|           |        |        |         |                   |         |
+-----------+--------+--------+---------+-------------------+---------+
|           |        |        |         |                   |         |
+-----------+--------+--------+---------+-------------------+---------+
|           |        |        |         |                   |         |
+-----------+--------+--------+---------+-------------------+---------+
|           |        |        |         |                   |         |
+-----------+--------+--------+---------+-------------------+---------+
| *         |        |        |         |                   |         |
| *TOTAL:** |        |        |         |                   |         |
+-----------+--------+--------+---------+-------------------+---------+

*(Suggested Categories: Land, Appraisals, Title Opinion, etc...)*

OMB Control \# 0648 -0459 Expires 4/30/2009

### *Appendix D:Number range CHAPTER Project Application Checklist* 

*This checklist is used: 1) to indicate which materials are included
with the project application and 2) to determine whether additional
information is needed to comply with requirements of the National
Environmental Policy Act or other applicable federal authorities.*

The project applicant must complete and sign this Project Checklist and
submit it to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, along
with the other required application materials.

######## Applicant and Project Information 

**1. State: Award Number: [\[provided by NOAA\]]{.underline}**

**2. Project Title**:

**3. Project Location (Approximate):** (City, County, Major
Intersections) Congressional District \_\_\_

**4. Project Proponent/Applicant (Must be a public entity at the state
or local level responsible for executing the project)**:

**5. Total Cost**: [\$]{.underline} **CELCP Federal share (requested
amt)**: [\$]{.underline}

**CELCP State/Local Match Contributions:** [\$
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_]{.underline}

**Other Federal \$\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

**Other Non-Federal \$\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_**

I ATTEST THAT THE STATEMENTS MADE AND OTHER INFORMATION PROVIDED IN THIS
CHECKLIST ARE, TO THE BEST OF MY KNOWLEDGE, TRUE AND ACCURATE.

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Signature of Applicant Date

Name of Signatory (please print or type):
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Title:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Address:
\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

Phone Number:
[E-mail]{.underline}\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

##### Eligibility of Project  {#eligibility-of-project .unnumbered}

**6. Project Eligibility:** (Check all that apply)

The proposed project:

\_\_\_\_ is located in a coastal or estuarine area (that has been
designated as part of a state's approved coastal and estuarine land
conservation (CELC) plan or within a state's coastal watershed
boundary);

\_\_\_\_ matches federal funds with non-federal funds at a ratio of at
least 1:1;

\_\_\_\_ will be held in public ownership and provide conservation in
perpetuity;

\_\_\_\_ will provide for access to the general public, or other public
benefit, as appropriate and consistent with resource protection.

\_\_\_\_ protects important coastal and estuarine areas that have
significant conservation, ecological, historical, aesthetic, or
recreation values, or that are threatened by conversion from their
natural or recreational state to other uses;

\_\_\_\_ can be effectively managed and protected;

\_\_\_\_ directly advances the goals, objectives or implementation of
state coastal management plan or program or NERR management plan
approved under the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA), national
objectives of the CZMA, or a local, regional or state watershed
protection plan involving coastal states with approved coastal
management programs

\_\_\_\_ is consistent with the state's approved coastal management
program.

**[Land Acquisition:]{.underline}**

**7. Location and Site Maps:** Site location maps are attached.
\_\_\_\_\_ Yes \_\_\_\_\_ No

The applicant should attach a map of the state or coastal county showing
the general location of the project, and a map of the project site,
which shows the location and extent of the proposed acquisition, as well
as relationship to significant natural features (slope, wetlands, dunes,
floodplains, access, etc.).

**8. Title Opinion and Appraisal:**

**a**. Documentation of the current owner's intent or willingness to
sell at a mutually agreeable price is attached. (This documentation may
be in the form of a letter of intent, option letter, contract, or
similar form.) \_\_\_\_ Yes \_\_\_\_\_ No

**b.** The applicant has obtained and attached an independent appraisal
performed by a state certified appraiser. \_\_\_\_\_ Yes \_\_\_\_\_ No

**c.** A title opinion or title insurance report is attached. \_\_\_\_
Yes \_\_\_\_\_ No

**9. Public Benefit**:

> **a.** The acquisition will be publicly held or under
> publicly-controlled easement and is for public benefit. The project
> does not improve private property for private or commercial gain.

\_\_\_\_\_ Yes \_\_\_\_\_ No

**b.** The property will be accessible to the general public. \_\_\_\_
Yes \_\_\_\_\_ No

> **c.** If the answer to the question above (10.b) is No, check any of
> the following reasons that apply and explain why access to the
> property will be limited.

\_\_\_\_\_ Public Safety \_\_\_\_\_ Resource Protection \_\_\_\_\_
Geographically Isolated/Inaccessible

> \_\_\_\_\_ School Outings Only \_\_\_\_\_ Scientific Research
> \_\_\_\_\_ Other (please explain): \_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

**d.** The property will be leased or rented. \_\_\_\_ Yes \_\_\_\_\_ No
If yes, please explain.

**e**. The public will be charged a user fee for access to or activities
on the proposed property.

\_\_\_\_\_ Yes \_\_\_\_\_ No

If Yes, provide a description of the user fee which includes: how much,
differential fees (if any), the need for the fees, and proposed use of
the revenue.

######### Compliance with Other Federal Authorities  {#compliance-with-other-federal-authorities .unnumbered}

**10. State Historic Preservation Officer's (SHPO's) Clearance and
National Historic Preservation Act:**

**a.** The project will affect properties listed on the National
Register of Historic Places (www.cr.nps.gov/nr/), eligible to be listed,
or otherwise protected by section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act
([www2.cr.nps.gov/laws/NHPA1966.htm](http://www2.cr.nps.gov/laws/NHPA1966.htm))
or a similar State Preservation Act. \_\_\_\_\_ Yes \_\_\_\_\_ No

**b.** The Recipient has on file the SHPO's clearance. \_\_\_\_\_ Yes
\_\_\_\_\_ No (If No, the Recipient certifies, by signing this
checklist, that the SHPO clearance is being sought and that work will
not begin and land will not be purchased until SHPO clearance is
received by the Recipient.)

**11. National Flood Insurance Program:**

**a.** Is the project located in a designated special flood hazard area,
floodway or "V" zone on a National Flood Insurance Program Floodway Map
(www.fema.gov/maps)? \_\_\_\_ Yes \_\_\_\_\_ No

(If No, go to 11)

**b.** Is the community in which the project is located in special flood
hazard areas shown on an FIA map is participating in the Flood Insurance
Program (www.fema.gov/nfip). \_\_\_\_\_ Yes \_\_\_\_\_ No

**12. Coastal Barriers Resource Act:** The project is located on an
undeveloped coastal barrier designatedby the Coastal Barriers Resources
Act
([www.fws.gov/cep/cbrunits.html](http://www.fws.gov/cep/cbrunits.html)).

\_\_\_\_\_ Yes \_\_\_\_\_ No

If the answer is Yes, provide a brief statement below or attach to this
checklist a brief analysis as to how the proposed project is consistent
with the three CBRA purposes: to minimize (1) the loss of human life,
(2) wasteful federal expenditures, and (3) damage to fish, wildlife and
other natural resources.

**13. Endangered Species Act:** May the proposed project adversely
affect threatened or endangered species or critical habitat under the
jurisdiction of the National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS) or U.S.
Fish and Wildlife Service (USFWS) as defined by the Endangered Species
Act? (www.fws.gov/endangered) or (www.nmfs.noaa.gov/pr/species).

\_\_\_\_\_ Yes \_\_\_\_\_ No

If the answer is No, provide a brief statement below explaining the
basis for the conclusion. If the answer to 12 is Yes, provide a
description of the adverse effects (minor and significant effects), the
species or habitat affected, and any coordination between the state and
the USFWS or NMFS. OCRM will not approve a project that USFWS or NMFS
has determined will significantly adversely affect threatened or
endangered species or critical habitat.

**14. Magnuson-Stevens Fishery Conservation and Management Act.**

Does the proposed project include essential fish habitat for federally
managed fish?

\_\_\_\_ Yes \_\_\_\_ No \_\_\_\_ Not yet determined (please explain).

Could the proposed project have significant adverse impacts on essential
fish habitat for federally managed fish? \_\_\_\_\_ Yes \_\_\_\_\_ No

**15. National Environmental Policy Act:**

**a.** The proposed project may significantly affect the human
environment.

\_\_\_\_\_ Yes \_\_\_\_\_ No

**b.** The proposed project involves unresolved conflicts concerning
alternative uses of available resources.

\_\_\_\_\_ Yes \_\_\_\_\_ No

**c.** This action would have significant adverse effects on public
health and safety.

\_\_\_\_\_ Yes \_\_\_\_\_ No

**d.** This action will have highly controversial environmental effects.
\_\_\_\_Yes \_\_\_\_ No

**e.** This action will have highly uncertain environmental effects or
involve unique or unknown environmental impacts. \_\_\_\_\_ Yes
\_\_\_\_\_ No

**f.** The project will have significant adverse impacts on other
natural resources not covered elsewhere in this checklist, e.g., beaches
and dunes, wetlands, estuarine areas, wildlife habitat, wild or scenic
rivers, reefs, or other coastal resources. \_\_\_\_\_ Yes \_\_\_\_\_ No

**g.** The project will have insignificant effects when performed
separately, but will have significant cumulative effects. \_\_\_\_\_ Yes
\_\_\_\_\_ No

If the answer to any one subpart of 13. is Yes, then an Environmental
Assessment (EA) or Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) may be required.
For items answered Yes, please attach a description of the resource(s)
affected and the nature and scope of the effects.

**16. Uniform Relocation Assistance and Real Property Acquisitions
Policies Act of 1970.** If the proposed project involves the acquisition
and/or modernization of real property, will the proposed project cause
the displacement of:

Persons, \_\_\_\_\_ Yes \_\_\_\_\_ No

Businesses, or \_\_\_\_\_ Yes \_\_\_\_\_ No

Farm Operations? \_\_\_\_\_ Yes \_\_\_\_\_ No

If yes to any of the above, please explain: the number of displaced
persons, including businesses and farm operations; what fair and
reasonable relocation payments and advisory services will be provided to
any displaced persons; and what provisions will be made to ensure that
safe, decent, and sanitary replacement dwellings will be available to
such persons within a reasonable period of time prior to displacement.

**17. Handicapped accessibility:** Will the proposed project be
handicapped accessible?

\_\_\_\_\_ Yes \_\_\_\_\_ No \_\_\_\_\_ N/A

If No or N/A, provide a brief explanation below (or attach separately)
as to why the project does is not required to meet ADA handicapped
accessibility requirements.

**18. Environmental Justice.** Will the project have disproportionately
high and adverse human health or environmental effects on minority or
low-income populations? \_\_\_\_\_ Yes \_\_\_\_\_ No

**19. State, Local and Tribal Laws.** The project is consistent with
state, local and tribal laws to protect the environment. \_\_\_\_\_ Yes
\_\_\_\_\_ No

**20. Contamination/Environmental Hazards (CERCLA/RCRA)**

**a.** Are there any known or suspected contaminants on the project
site? \_\_\_\_\_ Yes \_\_\_\_ No

If yes, please discuss what type of contamination is on the site, or
suspected to be on the site, and the status of clean-up activities.

**b.** Has the site been investigated, identified and/or designated as
having hazardous waste contamination issues by a federal, state, or
local agency (for example superfund site)?

If yes, please explain the basis for the designation, the status of
clean-up activities, and whether there are any legal liens or judgments
affecting the property.

**21. Public Coordination**

Has the project for which you propose to use CELCP funds been subject to
public scrutiny and coordination through a public notice or other public
review process? \_\_\_\_\_Yes \_\_\_\_\_No

If \"yes\", please describe the results of that process and note when
the coordination occurred.

######  If "no", please explain.  {#if-no-please-explain. .unnumbered}

\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_\_

NOAA is requesting this information in order to adequately assess the
eligibility of proposed projects. Public reporting burden for this
collection of information is estimated to average 10 hours per response,
including the time for reviewing instructions, searching existing data
sources, gathering and maintaining the data needed, and completing and
reviewing the collection of information. Send comments regarding this
burden estimate or any other aspect of this collection of information,
including suggestions for reducing this burden, to Elaine Vaudreuil,
OCRM, 1305 East-West Hwy (N/ORM7), Silver Spring, Maryland 20910. This
reporting is authorized under P.L. 107-77 and has been approved uner OMB
#0000-0000. Information submitted will be treated as public record.
Notwithstanding any other provision of the law, no person is required to
respond to, nor shall any person be subject to a penalty for failure to
comply with, a collection of information subject to the requirements of
the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that collection displays a currently
valid OMB Control Number.