The objective of Section 309 assistance is to encourage each State or Territory with a federally-approved coastal management program (CMP) to continually improve its program in specified areas of national importance.
The intent of Projects of Special Merit (PSM) funding is to offer CMPs the opportunity
credit:
to develop innovative projects that further their approved enhancement area strategies and focus on the following national enhancement area priorities:
Coastal Hazards, Ocean and Great Lakes Resources, and Public Access.
In order to apply for this funding opportunity, CMPs must be approved by NOAA pursuant to the Coastal Zone Management Act (16 U.S.C.
§1455) and have an approved 2021-2025 Section 309 Assessment and Strategy.
Additionally, CMPs can only apply for priorities for which they have a corresponding approved strategy.
Coastal Zone Management Program Regulations at 15 C.F.R.
Part 923 apply to this Announcement, and program policies and procedures are further implemented through the provisions in this announcement.