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Federal Open GRANTS-GOV-363229

National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2026

DOC NOAA - ERA Production (DOC) · Entitlement grant · Science & Technology

At a glance

National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2026 is a federal entitlement grant from DOC NOAA - ERA Production for the science & technology sector. Funding is $500K–$3M. Eligible applicants: Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification). Eligible applicants are lead state agencies or universities designated to receive NERRS operations funding through a Memorandum. The application deadline is September 18, 2026. Apply via the official listing at www.grants.gov.

Amount
$500K–$3M
Deadline
Sep 18, 2026
Type
Entitlement
Status
Open

About this program

The National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) consists of estuarine areas of the United States and its territories designated and managed for research and educational purposes (Reserve) as specified in 15 C.F.R. Part 921. By funding Reserve lead agencies and universities to conduct land acquisition and construction projects that support the NERRS mission, NOAA will strengthen protection of key land and water areas, enhance long-term protection of Reserve areas for research and education, and provide for facility and exhibit construction activities that meet the highest sustainable design standards possible. Each Reserve was designated to ensure its effectiveness as a conservation unit and as a site for long-term research and monitoring. In maintaining their effectiveness, the Reserves may find it necessary to expand their boundaries through strategically planned land acquisitions and/or to develop or enhance their reserve facilities, including their in-situ monitoring infrastructure, to meet the demands of research, monitoring, and education program objectives. NOAA anticipates approximately $8.5 million in Fiscal Year 2026 will be available to designated lead Reserve agencies or universities in coastal states. NOAA anticipates funding between 5-20 construction, acquisition, and/or planning & design projects. Project periods are expected to range from 12–36 months. Complex construction projects may request extended project periods, but the cumulative must not exceed 60 months. Final project selections are subject to availability of funds and negotiation with NOAA. Acquisition or construction projects have a $3,000,000 federal funding cap . Stand-alone planning and design projects have a $500,000 federal funding cap. At the discretion of NOAA’s Office for Coastal Management, up to 10% of the Fiscal Year 2026 funds will be reserved for critical reserve vehicle or vessel needs. These funds will be awarded noncompetitively to stand-alone vehicle or vessel project applications that address a critical reserve need.

Who can apply

Others (see text field entitled "Additional Information on Eligibility" for clarification). Eligible applicants are lead state agencies or universities designated to receive NERRS operations funding through a Memorandum of Understanding with NOAA in coastal states and territories.

How to apply

Apply through Grants.gov using funding opportunity number NOAA-NOS-OCM-2026-33239. Register your organization (SAM.gov + Grants.gov) before the deadline, then submit the application package listed in the official notice.

Apply at official source