National Estuarine Research Reserve System (NERRS) Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2026
Grant Opportunity Analysis
The Department of Commerce National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration is seeking applications for the National Estuarine Research Reserve System Land Acquisition and Construction Program for Fiscal Year 2026. Funded projects must support the program's mission by conducting strategically planned land acquisitions, constructing or upgrading reserve facilities and in-situ monitoring infrastructure, or executing stand-alone planning and design efforts. Projects must incorporate sustainable or nature-based design principles, with standard project periods ranging from 12 to 36 months, though complex construction efforts may extend up to 60 months. Matching requirements are set at 15% for construction, planning, and vehicle or vessel projects, and 25% for land acquisitions. Applications must be submitted through Grants.gov by September 18, 2026, to compete for an estimated $8.5 million in total funding, with individual project caps set at $3,000,000 for acquisitions or construction and $500,000 for planning and design.
Eligible Applicants
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.