Coastal Zone Management (CZM)

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Provider

National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

Application Deadline

October 21, 2024

Summary

Pennsylvania’s Coastal Resources Management (CRM) Program receives an annual grant award from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). This award provides for a portion of the funds to be used for eligible projects that address one or more of the priority areas of the CRM program. Applications are evaluated and awarded through a competitive process. The funds are distributed through sub-grant awards to state and local government agencies as well as nonprofit groups located in or having facilities in the Delaware Estuary or Lake Erie Coastal Zones. Eligible projects are reviewed by program staff, two local Coastal Zone Advisory Committees, and the State Coastal Zone Advisory Committee and are evaluated based on criteria outlined in the Grant Application Instruction Guide.

Common Eligible Projects

Coastal zone grants may be applied to a wide variety of studies, plans, designs, research, acquisition, and construction projects pertaining to one or more of the established CRMP policies, which guide the competitive selection process.

Examples of some typical project proposals are as follows:

Efforts to educate the public regarding issues of environmental protection, nonpoint source pollution, protection of coastal resources or efforts to promote such action to the public.

Preparation or revision of local comprehensive plans, zoning ordinances, sub-division regulations and special ordinances containing provisions in support of CRMP policies.
Plans, studies, or other projects to improve port facilities and infrastructure, planned future use of coastal ports or providing public access for recreational use of docks, piers, and wharves.
Improving resource management and environmental protection programs at the state or local level, including disseminating information or providing technical assistance to coastal communities and the public.
Plans, studies, or projects that enhance economic development within the coastal zone, including activities to help economically revitalize under-used coastal and/or port facilities.
Studies for interpretation and enhancement of coastal features and habitats and restoration and preservation of historic coastal sites and structures.
Land acquisition of coastal properties, including real estate appraisals, to improve or provide for public recreational access or open-space preservation.