View all text of Chapter 59 A [§ 3951 - § 3957]
§ 3954. National coastal wetlands conservation grants
(a) Matching grants
(b) Priority
Subject to the cost-sharing requirements of this section, the Director may grant or otherwise provide any matching moneys to any coastal State which submits a proposal substantial in character and design to carry out a coastal wetlands conservation project. In awarding such matching grants, the Director shall give priority
(1) consistent with the National Wetlands Priority Conservation Plan developed under section 3921 of this title; and
(2) in coastal States that have established dedicated funding for programs to acquire coastal wetlands, natural areas and open spaces. In addition, priority consideration shall be given to coastal wetlands conservation projects in maritime forests on coastal barrier islands.
(c) Conditions
(d) Cost-sharing
(1) Federal share
Grants to coastal States of matching moneys by the Director for any fiscal year to carry out coastal wetlands conservation projects shall be used for the payment of not to exceed 50 percent of the total costs of such projects: except that such matching moneys may be used for payment of not to exceed 75 percent of the costs of such projects if a coastal State has established and is using one of the following for the purpose of acquiring coastal wetlands, other natural areas or open spaces:
(A) a trust fund from which the principal is not spent; or
(B) a fund derived from a dedicated recurring source of monies including, but not limited to, real estate transfer fees or taxes, cigarette taxes, tax check-offs, or motor vehicle license plate fees.
(2) Form of State share
(3) In-kind contributions
(e) Partial payments
(1) The Director may from time to time make matching payments to carry out coastal wetlands conservation projects as such projects progress, but such payments, including previous payments, if any, shall not be more than the Federal pro rata share of any such project in conformity with subsection (d) of this section.
(2) The Director may enter into agreements to make matching payments on an initial portion of a coastal wetlands conservation project and to agree to make payments on the remaining Federal share of the costs of such project from subsequent moneys if and when they become available. The liability of the United States under such an agreement is contingent upon the continued availability of funds for the purpose of this section.
(f) Wetlands assessment
(Pub. L. 101–646, title III, § 305, Nov. 29, 1990, 104 Stat. 4785; Pub. L. 102–212, title III, § 302(a), Dec. 11, 1991, 105 Stat. 1660.)