The Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Coastal Resources Division (CRD) has announced that proposals are now being accepted for Coastal Incentive Grants Cycle 16.

Competitive grants are available for up to $100,000 per year ($50,000 for construction projects) for one or two year projects. 1:1 non-federal match is required. Applications and all supporting documentation must be received at the CRD Headquarters by Jan. 18, 2013. Eligible applicants include county and municipal governments in the 11 coastal counties, regional and state agencies (other than DNR) and state affiliated educational and research institutions.

Cycle 16 Coastal Incentive Grant themes include: 1) protection, conservation, restoration and/or management of coastal water resources, 2) protection, conservation, management and/or restoration of coastal habitats, 3) improvement and/or creation of public access to coastal natural resources, 4) disaster-resilient communities and coastal hazards, 5) sustainable community development, 6) promotion of ecological and heritage tourism and/or protection of ecological and heritage resources, and 7) identification of coastal threats and evaluation of effectiveness of current management practices.

Informational meetings are scheduled in Brunswick on Nov. 14 and in Savannah on Nov. 15. The RFP and Grant Application Packet, as well as information on the meeting schedule and location, can be found on the CRD Web site, www.CoastalGaDNR.org/cm/grants/cig.

If you have questions, contact Susan Reeves, CIG grants manager, at (912) 264-7224.