EPA Announces $3 Million in Grants to Improve Health of Gulf

A new Gulf-Based funding announcement in from the EPA:

Gulf of Mexico Regional Partnerships Request for Proposals (RFP) 2011

On, August 16, 2011, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency announced the release of the Gulf of Mexico Regional Partnerships RFP 2011. The RFP is posted on the Gulf of Mexico Program’s website at: http://www.epa.gov/gmpo/, and at: http://www.epa.gov/gmpo/pdf/gm-regional-partnerships-rfp-2011.pdf.

The RFP is also posted at Grants.gov at: http://j.mp/rpLYoN

Applicants can download individual grant application forms from EPA’s Office of Grants and Debarment website at: http://www.epa.gov/ogd/AppKit/application.htm.

Proposals must be received by the Agency Contact by hard copy through the mail or commercial delivery service or through electronic submission to: http://www.grants.gov. The Agency Contact is Gerry Martin, martin.gerry@epa.gov, 228-688-1281. The address for hard copy submission is:

EPA/Gulf of Mexico Program Office
ATTN: Gerry Martin
Mail Code: EPA/GMPO
Building 1100, Room 232
Stennis Space Center, MS 39529

The deadline for submissions is 5:00 P.M. Central Standard Time (CST), Friday, September 30, 2011.

This notice announces the availability of funds and solicits proposals for projects that improve the health of the Gulf of Mexico by addressing improved water quality and public health, priority coastal habitat conservation and restoration, more effective coastal environmental education, improved ecosystems integration and assessment, strategic nutrient reductions and coastal community resilience. Projects must actively involve stakeholders and focus on one of the six priority issue areas contained in the announcement; and/or the goals and objectives of the EPA Gulf of Mexico Program (acres restored, impaired stream/river segments removed and water quality improved.)

The total estimated funding for this competitive opportunity is approximately $3,000,000. EPA anticipates awarding approximately 10 – 50 cooperative agreement(s) from this announcement, subject to availability of funds, the quality of proposals received and other applicable considerations.

That’s not chump-change.