AUSTIN — Today Commissioner George P. Bush announced Texas General Land Office will be awarding up to $1.8 million in grant funding for coastal projects. Additionally, the GLO will hold three workshops to provide information on the grant program and allow potential applicants to discuss specific project ideas with staff. Due to significant changes in the application process and funding categories, the GLO is highly recommending that potential applicants attend a workshop to learn more.

"Proactive coastal resiliency is a priority for me as Land Commissioner and for all members of the GLO's Coastal Resources team," said Commissioner George P. Bush. "Coastal Management Program grants fund valuable projects that improve resiliency and build a stronger coastline. We are committed to ensuring that all potential applicants understand the application process and have an opportunity to get their questions answered. I am encouraging all potential applicants to join us at a meeting near their hometowns to learn more."

2018 Grant Workshops:

• Corpus Christi - May 1, 2018 at 9:30 a.m.
  Corpus Christi Regional Transportation Authority
  602 N. Staples Street, 2nd Floor Boardroom, Suite 210
• South Padre Island - May 2, 2018 at 9:30 a.m.
  South Padre Island Birding and Nature Center
  6801 Padre Boulevard
• Galveston - May 9, 2018 at 9:30 a.m.
  Rosenberg Library
  2310 Sealy Street, Fox Room

Proposed projects must be located within the Texas coastal zone boundary and address at least one of the following: public access enhancement, applied research and data collection, development and implementation of a fully-certified Coastal Nonpoint Source Pollution Control Program, and planning, community engagement, and restoration that enhances coastal resiliency.

Applicants must provide a local or third-party match of 40% of the total project cost to comply with federal matching requirements. Match may be in the form of a "cash" match, "in-kind" match, or a combination thereof. Federal funds, received directly or passed-through by a state agency, cannot be used as match.

Submission of a pre-proposal is mandatory. Pre-proposals are due by 5:00 p.m. on June 14, 2018. Selected applicants will be invited to submit a final application. Upon invitation, applicants must submit final applications with supporting documentation by 5:00 p.m. on October 3, 2018. The solicitation and application are available for download at http://www.glo.texas.gov/coast/grant-projects/funding/.