National Estuary Program
Environmental Protection Agency
The National Estuary Program (NEP) goal is to protect and restore the water quality and estuarine resources of estuaries and associated watersheds designated by the EPA Administrator as estuaries of national significance. The 28 estuaries of national significance, or NEPs, use an ecosystem-based management approach to help achieve their protection and restoration goals. For example, each NEP characterizes the priority problems in its estuary and surrounding watershed, develops a long-term plan k
Jargon-free version
Helps communities protect and restore the health of important coastal areas called estuaries. Provides support for local plans to improve water quality and habitats.
Quick Facts
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What Is This Program?
What Benefits Are Offered?
Annual funding, national guidance, technical assistance, and grant opportunities (e.g., NEP Watersheds Award, NEP Coastal Watersheds Grant) to protect and restore estuaries of national significance. Support for developing and implementing long-term conservation plans (CCMPs).
Who Is Eligible?
Industries: environmental protection, conservation, water management
Region: estuaries of national significance, Atlantic coast, Gulf coast, Pacific coast, Puerto Rico, qualifying geographic areas
Other Criteria: state and local government agencies, universities, nonprofit organizations, projects focused on protecting and restoring water quality and ecological integrity of estuaries, commitment to develop and implement a Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan (for designated NEPs), demonstrate significant environmental need (for designated NEPs), demonstrate strong state and local long-term support (for designated NEPs)
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📋What Are the Application Steps & Timeline?
- 📝Steps to Apply
- State governors submit nominations to EPA
- EPA considers funding and geographic areas
- EPA conducts a public competitive process
- Nominations are evaluated based on critical elements
- EPA Administrator approves selections
- 🌐Application Portal
- https://www.epa.gov/nep
- 📤Submission Method
- online
- 📅Key Dates
- 1995Last call for nominationsMarch 25, 2026Invitation to submit information for Pensacola and Perdido Bays
- 🔄Intake Type
- periodic
📄What Documents Are Required?
- ✅Required Documents
- SF-424 (Application for Federal Assistance)
- SF-424A (Budget Information - Non-Construction)
- SF-424B (Assurances)
- Project Narrative
- Budget Narrative
- indirect cost rate agreement
- 📐Format Requirements
- PDF only, max 10MB
- ✉️Supporting Letters
- Letters of support from stakeholders are encouraged.
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💰What Expenses Are Eligible?
- 🧾Eligible Expenses
- costs related to developing and implementing Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plans (CCMPs)
- actions to protect and restore water quality and living resources
- 💳Payment Model
- mixed
🤝Is Matching Funding Required?
- 🔀Matching Required
- Yes
- 📊Matching Ratio
- 1:1
- 🏦Eligible Matching Sources
- cash
- in-kind contributions
- 📚Stacking Rules
- Allowed
- 🛡️Proof of Matching Required
- Documentation of matching funds commitment
📊What Are the Reporting Requirements?
- 🗓️Reporting Frequency
- annual
- 📑Reporting Requirements
- Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plans (CCMPs)
- 🔍Audit Requirements
- OMB Uniform Guidance Single Audit if the recipient expends $750,000 or more in federal awards
- 📢Branding Requirements
- Federal awarding agency acknowledgment
- 🗄️Record Retention Period
- 3 years post-final-report
How Do I Apply?
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FAQFrequently Asked Questions
Visit the program page for detailed eligibility requirements.
This program offers funding up to $7 (minimum $7).
This program accepts applications on a rolling basis.
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