Funding and Grants for Puget Sound
National Estuary Program (NEP) Atlas
Summary
The EPA receives money from Congress to help protect and restore Puget Sound. These funds are used to help implement Washington's Puget Sound Action Agenda Exit using cooperative agreements with designated state agencies, local and tribal governments, universities and non-governmental organizations (NGOs). The Action Agenda is a comprehensive plan for guiding restoration and protection actions in the Puget Sound region.
In 2016, the EPA developed a funding model that targets areas of high priority in Puget Sound around three Strategic Initiatives in the Action Agenda:
- Habitat
- Shellfish
- Stormwater
The Strategic Initiatives are led by state agencies which convene advisory groups of policy and technical experts to determine which projects are the best fit for sub-awards that most closely align with the Action Agenda and prioritize near-term recovery. These advisory groups develop implementation strategies and use adaptive management approaches to address the Puget Sound Vital Signs. A current list of projects selected for priority funding is available at Partners in Puget Sound Recovery. Exit
Sub-awards are granted to local, tribal, state, county, NGO, and academic institutions to carry out a wide variety of projects, assessments, and monitoring.
The EPA also awards funds to the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission for projects of high tribal priority that are consistent with the Action Agenda. Additional grants are awarded to 19 tribes and three tribal consortia to support tribal participation in regional coordination boards and management conferences as well as to implement recovery activities consistent with the Action Agenda.
Strategic Initiatives
Habitat
Led by the Washington State Departments of Fish & Wildlife and Natural Resources.
- Objective: Protect and restore habitat by removing barriers for habitat restoration and through implementing regulations and incentives.
- Funding: $5.2 million for the first year, with a potential of up to $33 million over 5 years.
- Contact: Gina Bonifacino (bonifacino.gina@epa.gov)
Shellfish
Led by the Washington State Department of Health in coordination with the Departments of Ecology and Agriculture.
- Objective: Protect and recover shellfish beds by increasing enforcement of existing regulations and programs and preventing pollution through incentives.
- Funding: $5 million for the first year, with a potential of up to $33 million over 5 years.
- Contact: Catherine Gockel (gockel.catherine@epa.gov)
Stormwater
Led by the Washington State Department of Ecology in partnership with the Washington Stormwater Center at Washington State University and the Department of Commerce.
- Objective: Prevent pollution from urban stormwater runoff by fixing existing problems, preventing new problems, controlling sources of pollution, educating, and implementing a holistic watershed approach to management.
- Funding: $5.2 million for the first year, with a potential of up to $33 million over 5 years.
- Contact: Michael Rylko (rylko.michael@epa.gov)
Tribal Implementation Lead Award
Led by the Northwest Indian Fisheries Commission.
- Objective: Facilitate implementation of projects of high tribal priority that are consistent with the action agenda.
- Funding: $4 million for the first year, with a potential of up to $25 million over 5 years.
- Contact: Lisa Chang (chang.lisa@epa.gov)
Tribal Capacity Awards
Awarded to 19 tribes and three tribal consortia.
- Objective: Support tribal participation in regional coordination boards and management conferences as well as to implement recovery activities consistent with the Action Agenda.
- Funding: $19.1 million from 2010-2017.
- Contact: Lisa Chang (chang.lisa@epa.gov)