Section 62S-4.004 - Application Procedures for Coastal Partnership Initiative Grants(1) CPI Program Purpose. Eligible applicants may request financial assistance to implement projects to protect, enhance, and improve the management of natural, cultural, and historical coastal resources and to increase the sustainability, resiliency and preparedness of coastal communities. Grant applications must benefit the management of coastal resources, and meet the purpose of at least one of the following CPI priority areas:(a) Resilient Communities. The purpose of this priority area is to help coastal communities prepare for and respond to the effects of climate change and natural hazard events and disasters. Project examples include: conducting vulnerability analyses and risk assessments; developing post-disaster redevelopment plans and business continuity plans; developing climate change adaptation strategies for incorporation in local comprehensive plans or ordinances; developing policies, guidance and best management practices; restoring and preserving coastal wetlands and shorelines; and developing energy efficiency and alternative energy strategies.(b) Coastal Resource Stewardship. The purpose of this priority area is to promote stewardship and appreciation of fragile coastal resources through local involvement. Stewardship project examples include dune and wetland restoration; invasive exotic plant removal; coastal clean-ups; cultural resource protection; environmental awareness initiatives; coastal learning centers; and environmental education events and field trips.(c) Access to Coastal Resources. The purpose of this priority area is to help communities identify and improve public access to cultural, historical and natural areas while protecting resources from overuse and damage. Project examples include: planning for, and construction of small-scale projects such as fishing piers, dune crossovers, boardwalks, observation decks, and canoe and sailboat launches; natural shoreline restoration; invasive exotic plant removal; waterfront park improvements; and development of recreational surface water use plans or policies pursuant to section 163.3177(6)(g), F.S.(d) Working Waterfronts. The working waterfronts priority area is designed to assist communities with waterfront revitalization. The working waterfronts initiative aims to support projects that enhance and sustain traditional waterfront communities while addressing public access, resource protection, and hazard mitigation issues. Project examples in this category include constructing boat ramps, waterside boardwalks, kiosks and fish cleaning stations; and restoring shorelines and wetlands or implementing other measures that mitigate the effects of natural hazards.(2) Assistance. (a) Financial awards are limited to: 1. No more than $30,000.00 and no less than $10,000.00, for planning, design and coordination activities; and,2. No more than $60,000.00 and no less than $10,000.00 for construction projects, habitat restoration, invasive exotic plant removal or land acquisition. These projects cannot involve planning and coordination activities as stated in subparagraph 62S-4.004(2)(a) 1., F.A.C.(b) Projects funded under the CPI must be located on publicly-owned or leased land, or land held in perpetuity under a conservation easement. Projects located on federally-owned lands are not eligible for FCMP funds.(c) Non-profit organizations are not eligible to receive funds for construction projects, habitat restoration, invasive exotic plant removal or land acquisition. Applications submitted by non-profit organizations that propose these activities will be disqualified.(d) A recipient will be required to provide 100% (1:1) matching funds, cash or in-kind. No more than one-half (50%) of match can be provided by a third party.(e) Eligible applicants may submit no more than one application per funding cycle.(f) Funds awarded by the procedures described in this chapter shall not be used to supplant or replace any state or local funds, used as matching funds to apply for or receive other federal funds, or used as match for funds awarded as a result of the application processes described in this chapter.(3) Period of Assistance. Funding is available only for project work initiated and completed during a 12-month period beginning July 1 and ending June 30, unless the FCMP grants a written extension for good cause.(4) Notice.(a) If funds are available, the FCMP shall initiate the funding cycle by publishing a notice of the availability of funds on the Florida Administrative Register (FAR) website at https://www.flrules.org/ no later than October 31. Applications for a funding cycle will not be accepted prior to the publication of the notice of availability of funds.(b) In addition, the FCMP shall send a copy of the notice of availability of funds to the chair of the Board of County Commissioners in each of the 35 coastal counties and to the chair of the governing body of each eligible municipality as defined in paragraph 62S-4.001(2), F.A.C.(5) Application Form. All Coastal Partnership Initiative (CPI) grant applications must be submitted on the CPI Application Form. The CPI Application Form 62S-4.004(5), effective date 9-2-10 is hereby incorporated by reference and is available from the FCMP grants website at http://www.dep.state.fl.us/cmp/grants/index.htm. To request an application form, contact FCMP staff at the Department of Environmental Protection, Florida Coastal Management Program, MS 235, 3900 Commonwealth Blvd., Tallahassee, Florida 32399-3000. (a) Applications shall be received by the FCMP on or before 4:00 p.m. (Eastern Time Zone), on the date identified in the notice of availability of funds, which shall be a minimum of 60 days from the publication of the notice.(b) One originally-signed application, four copies of the application and one CD/DVD version shall be submitted to: FCMP, M.S. 235, ATTN: CPI Applications, 3900 Commonwealth Blvd., Tallahassee, FL 32399-3000.(c) It is the applicant's responsibility to ensure that one original application, four copies, and one CD/DVD version are delivered at the proper time and place. Applications submitted by fax or other electronic media are not acceptable. Applications received after the exact time and date specified above will be disqualified.Fla. Admin. Code Ann. R. 62S-4.004
Rulemaking Authority 380.22(3) FS. Law Implemented 380.22 FS.
New 10-15-81, Formerly 17-24.04, Amended 12-2-87, Formerly 17-24.040, Amended 11-22-93, 4-30-96, 6-10-01, Formerly 9M-1.004, Amended 8-11-03, 9-11-05, 1-29-09, 9-2-10.New 10-15-81, Formerly 17-24.04, Amended 12-2-87, Formerly 17-24.040, Amended 11-22-93, 4-30-96, 6-10-01, Formerly 9M-1.004, Amended 8-11-03, 9-11-05, 1-29-09, 9-2-10.