APPLICATION MATERIALS

Eligible applicants include local governments in the 20 coastal counties and their municipalities that have public trust waters (ocean, estuarine or riverine waters) within their jurisdictions.

• 2025-26 Pre-application 
• 2025-26 Grant Guidance

APPLICATION SCHEDULE

The application process has three steps: Pre-application, invitation to submit a Final Application, and grant contract approval. 

Local governments whose proposals are selected will be invited to submit a Final Application with more detailed project information.  

ELIGIBLE PROJECTS

Examples of eligible projects include the following:

• Land Acquisition/Easement
  • Purchase of land for future public access facilities.
  • Purchase of easements for public access.
    • Is it urgent? Request a waiver. A local government can request a waiver to purchase land to be considered for funding under a future grant application. Acquisition Waiver (PDF)
• Construction Projects
  • Facilities such as ADA beach access mats, dune crossovers, boardwalks, and piers that provide access to the water
  • Support facilities such as parking areas, restrooms and other facilities.
  • Boat Launch facilities- boat launch and ramp facilities, whether motorized or not, may be part of a project provided pedestrian access is still a major component of the project.
  • Nature-based features may be part of a project provided pedestrian access is still a major component of the project, with nature-based features being used to support, protect and enhance access improvements.
• Rehabilitation
  • Handicap facilities - applicants are encouraged to submit proposals designed to enhance handicap accessibility at existing facilities. Handicap facilities that exceed existing ADA requirements are encouraged.
  • Urban waterfront access sites - improved public access to deteriorating or underutilized urban waterfronts through reconstruction or rehabilitation.
  • Reconstruction or relocation of existing damaged public access facilities. Primarily for sites not originally funded by this program, or for improvements to any sites at least fifteen (15) years old.
• Maintenance at previously funded sites 
  • For Tier 1 communities, routine maintenance of sites previously funded under the program. 

Criteria used to prioritize and select projects to receive grant assistance:

• Pedestrian access must be a major component of the project;
• Community’s history of previous assistance from this grant program;
• Demonstrated need for the project due to high demand and availability and adequacy of opportunities in the area;
• Project is identified in a local beach or waterfront access plan or certified CAMA Land Use Plan;
• The commitment of matching funds meets or exceeds the minimum required local match; and
• The community has demonstrated its ability to complete previous projects and/or has demonstrated its ability to operate and maintain previously funded facilities.
• Priority will be given to:
  • Land acquisition projects, includes donated land deemed “unbuildable” due to regulations or physical limitations;
  • Projects whose site design exceeds ADA requirements; and
  • Projects whose site design incorporates resiliency via nature-based features to support, protect and enhance access improvements.

The Division of Coastal Management provides technical assistance to local governments. Contact your District Planner to discuss your application or project.