EPA accepting proposals for Southeast New England coastal watershed restoration grants

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced this week that it is accepting proposals for the first round of grants under the Southeast New England Program (SNEP) for coastal watershed restoration for the 2016 and 2017 fiscal years.

"This request for proposals is an exciting opportunity to enhance collaboration and promote innovative thinking throughout the southeast coastal New England region," EPA New England Regional Administrator Curt Spalding said. "The challenges here are great, and EPA is pleased and grateful there are resources available that will enable our communities and partners to develop and implement effective new solutions and approaches."

SNEP is seeking proposals that will result in integrated ecosystem management, using various resources and strategic partnerships. The program places a premium on innovative measures, whether projects are developing, testing or implementing them. Priorities in the first round of grants are innovative approaches to restoration and protection, regional impacts achieved through strategic collaboration, the integration of water quality and habitat improvements and programs that emphasize ecosystem services and functions.

The EPA anticipates awarding up to $7 million for projects benefiting Southeast New England coastal watersheds in the next two fiscal years. Initial applications are due Jan. 22.