Chesapeake Bay Gateways Network
Program Funding
Annual program obligations reported to SAM.gov.
Funded Projects
Examples of what this program has supported.
Mobile nature programs are bringing environmental education directly to underserved neighborhoods—meeting people where they are.
2) Restoring Parks and Green Spaces: Community gardens and green parks are being designed to serve both people and wildlife, offering places to relax, play, and learn about nature. Wetland restoration projects are improving water quality and creating habitat for birds, fish, and pollinators.
3) Empowering Youth and Future Leaders: Paid internships and fellowships are giving young people hands-on experience in conservation and environmental careers. Outdoor education programs are taking students from cities to the headwaters of the Bay, helping them understand the full journey of water and their role in protecting it.
Program Objective
The National Park Service – Chesapeake Bay Office aims to connect people with the Chesapeake Bay’s natural and cultural heritage by supporting conservation, public access, education, and recreation through the Chesapeake Bay Gateways and Watertrails Network. Assistance supports the implementation of the Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act, the Chesapeake Bay Program, and the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail. Key goals include conserving landscapes and resources, enhancing public access to waterways, promoting heritage tourism, engaging youth, and interpreting the region’s rich history and environment.
Eligibility
Eligible Applicants
- State governments
- Local governments
- Other public organizations
- Private nonprofits
- Anyone / general public
Recipients must either be a non-profit organization qualified as such under section 501(c) of the Internal Revenue Code or a state or local government.
Beneficiaries
- 19
- 5
- 7
General Public.
How to Apply
Application Procedure
Funding announcements for this program, along with registration procedures, application packages and instructions, points of contact, and procedures for submitting applications will be available on www.grants.gov
Award Procedure
Proposals received in response announcements on grants.gov are reviewed on the basis of a competitive, merit-based review process, and are rated in accordance with the evaluation criteria stated in the announcement. Awards may be made to the highest rated proposals based on the amount of funding available each year.
Awards are made to the highest priority projects based on the amount of funding available each year. Recipients selected for funding collaborate with NPS Chesapeake staff to complete award requirements.
Varies depending on the type and complexity of the project. Further information will be available for each specific project at the time the funding opportunity announcement is posted on www.grants.gov and may be obtained by contacting the Program Manager listed as the point of contact. Generally 30 – 120 days.
Program details & compliance
Description
NPS Chesapeake technical and financial assistance strategically supports projects and programs that meet DOI’s key responsibilities in the Chesapeake Bay watershed. The Chesapeake Bay Initiative Act authorizes the NPS to: identify, conserve, restore, and interpret natural, recreational, historical, and cultural resources within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed; identify and utilize the collective resources sites for enhancing public education of and access to the Chesapeake Bay; link sites with trails, tour roads, scenic byways, and other connections; develop and establish watertrails comprising water routes and connections to sites and other land resources within the Chesapeake Bay Watershed; and create a network of sites and watertrails.
Use of Funds
Allowed Uses
Recipients of financial assistance must comply with all applicable federal, state, and local environmental laws and regulations. Local planning offices can provide advice on Federal, state or local permits that will be necessary; and NPS - Chesapeake staff can advise on compliance and permitting processes. As advised by NPS Chesapeake, Recipients may be required to (1) document local support for the project; (2) document consultation with their State Historic Preservation Office, state agencies in charge of endangered species, local planning and zoning officials, and other affected agencies in developing their projects and gaining approval for project implementation; and (3) complete an Environmental Screening Form for their proposed project.
All facilities and programming developed with NPS Chesapeake Bay funding must be accessible to persons with disabilities. It is the responsibility of the award recipient to comply with the Architectural Barriers Act of 1968, Section 504 and 508 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, as amended, and the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 as amended.
All construction projects must be designed and engineered in accordance with applicable law. The services of a professional, registered engineer or architect are advised to assure that necessary provisions are being met with respect to public safety, codes, and standards.
All projects involving physical development must incorporate specific objectives to “green” the project, such as developing environmentally sensitive designs, incorporating low impact development approaches (e.g., incorporating storm water management, rain gardens, pervious surfaces, green roofs, etc.), incorporating eco-friendly materials into structural elements of your project, utilizing native, non-invasive plant species, and using green procurement practices.
All projects proposed to develop new or enhanced public water access facilities must develop one or more of the following types of public water access facilities: boat-related access, swimming access, fishing access and/or viewing access for water, wildlife, and shoreline areas.
For proposed development projects located on the Captain John Smith Chesapeake National Historic Trail, NPS Chesapeake Office may supply standardized CAJO trail-marking and orientation, and possibly interpretation, signage appropriate to the site.
Required Documentation
Determined at the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) level.
Matching Requirements
50% Recipient cost share is required for most awards under this program.
Reporting & Compliance
Applicable 2 CFR 200 Subparts
- Subpart B — General Provisions
- Subpart C — Pre-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart D — Post-Federal Award Requirements
- Subpart E — Cost Principles
- Subpart F — Audit Requirements