Federal Funding Available for Land Preservation Projects in the Lake Erie Watershed

Communities have until February 17 to submit applications

SANDUSKY, OH - Communities within Ohio's Lake Erie Watershed seeking to acquire land for preservation and recreation can apply for up to $3 million per project in federal grants through the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program (CELCP). The program is administered in the state through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources (ODNR) Office of Coastal Management.
 
Municipalities, park districts and other public entities can submit applications until 5 p.m. on Tuesday, February 17. Sites of high-quality ecological, conservation, recreational, historical or aesthetic value will be top contenders for funding. Sites within Ohio's designated Coastal Management Area will be given highest priority, followed by sites in coastal counties and then other sites in the Lake Erie watershed. Applicants must provide at least 50 percent of the total project cost as match.
 
The Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program was established to protect important coastal and estuarine lands nationwide that are threatened by development. Application materials can be found by selecting "Grants" at www.ohiodnr.com/coastal  or by contacting Ohio's CELCP Coordinator Sandra Kosek-Sills at (419) 626-7980.
 
Up to three projects from Ohio will be referred to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration for ranking and final consideration. Funding will come in the federal fiscal year 2010 budget bill, with money available March 1, 2010. Ohio has been awarded more than $20 million for projects since the Coastal and Estuarine Land Conservation Program began in 2002.
 
For more information, visit www.coastalmanagement.noaa.gov/land/welcome.html.
 
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources ensures a balance between wise use and protection of our natural resources for the benefit of all. Visit the ODNR web site at www.ohiodnr.com.

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For further information, contact:
Sandra Kosek-Sills, ODNR Office of Coastal Management
419. 626. 7980
Beth Ruth, ODNR Media Relations
614. 265. 6860