The Georgia Coastal Management Program of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Coastal Resources Division announces the availability of Coastal Incentive Grant funds for projects that further its mission to balance economic development in Georgia's coastal area with the preservation of natural, environmental, historical, archaeological and recreational resources.

Since 1998, the GCMP has provided federal financial assistance to eligible applicants to protect, manage and restore coastal communities and habitats; research critical coastal issues and provide public access to Georgia's coastal natural resources.  

A request for proposals will be available Oct. 1 on the CRD Web site, www.CoastalGaDNR.org.

Proposals and all supporting documentation must be received at the CRD headquarters by Jan. 15, 2010. Eligible applicants include state government agencies (except Georgia DNR), qualified local governments, and state colleges, universities and research institutions. Eligible projects must be located within at least one of the 11 designated Georgia counties within the GCMP area — Brantley, Bryan, Camden, Chatham, Charlton, Effingham, Glynn, Liberty, Long, McIntosh and Wayne.

Two informational meetings will be held in Brunswick and Savannah on Oct. 20 and 22. To download an application packet, view the schedule for informational meetings or for additional information log on to the CRD Web site www.CoastalGaDNR.org or contact Susan Reeves at (912) 264-7224.