Visitor Facility Enhancements Vehicle Pullouts, Interpretive Trails, and Kiosks
Projects must conserve, protect, and enhance fish, wildlife and plants for the continuing benefit of the American people.
Construction of a highway pullout including interpretive exhibits to allow the traveling public to observe resident wildlife populations on refuges.
The Department of the Interior protects and provides access to the Nation's natural and cultural heritage, including responsibilities to Indian tribes and island communities. Departmental goals include resource protection and usage, overseeing recreational opportunities, serving communities and excellence in management.
Program Accomplishments
USFWS Region 6 has provided funding for tour routes, kiosks, vehicle pull-outs, scenic overlooks, interpretive signage, etc. The number of projects funded and funding levels depend on available funding.
Uses and Use Restrictions
Funds may be used for approved projects on Service lands that enhance wildlife viewing opportunities for the public while providing access in the form of interpretive pullouts, trails, and interpretive kiosks which provide a public benefit.
Details for each funding opportunity is posted on www.Grants.gov .
Eligibility Requirements
Applicant Eligibility
Applicants may be State and local governments, private, public, nonprofit organizations, institutions and private individuals, which support the mission of the Service.
Beneficiary Eligibility
State and local governments; private and public nonprofit organizations; other private and public organizations; and private individuals who support the mission of the Service.
Credentials/Documentation
None.
Aplication and Award Process
Preapplication Coordination
This program is excluded from coverage under E.O.
12372.
Application Procedures
A Standard Form 424 and a written proposal should be submitted through Grants.gov or via hardcopy to the project office and include: a title, justification (including relevance to the Fish and Wildlife Service's priorities as outlined in the funding opportunity), objectives, time frame, and a budget breakdown. No State plan is required with this application. Note that the USFWS may circulate proposals to others for review.
Award Procedures
The Regional Director of the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service or designee approves or disapproves submitted proposals. Criteria for selection are outlined in the funding announcement and application package posted to Grants.gov. Successful applicant(s) will be notified after selection and confirmation of available funding. An applicant(s) should not initiate a project in expectation of USFWS funding, nor should they purchase materials or begin work until such time as they receive the final award document signed by an authorized Service official.
Deadlines
The deadline will be publicized in the Grants.gov announcement.
Authorization
Fish and Wildlife Act of 1956, as amended, 16 U.S.C. 742a-754; Fish and Wildlife Coordination Act of 1958, 16 U.S.C. 661-667(e); and National Wildlife Refuge System Administration Act, 16 U.S.C. 668dd.
Range of Approval/Disapproval Time
Awards are anticipated within 90 days or less.
Appeals
None.
Renewals
None.
Assistance Considerations
Formula and Matching Requirements
This program has no statutory formula and no matching requirements. FWS encourages recipients to consider cost sharing.
Length and Time Phasing of Assistance
Project awards are generally from one to five years, depending on the complexity of the project and availability of funds. The five-year restriction on the length of time is due to the period of availability of funds, which is limited to the five-year rule.
Post Assistance Requirements
Reports
Recipients of funding are required to submit quarterly financial reports using form SF-269, and semi-annual performance reports 30 days following the end of each reporting period.
Final performance and financial reports are due 120 days after the end date of the grant performance reports.
Audits
In accordance with the provisions of OMB Circular A-133 (Revised, June 27, 2003), "Audits of States, Local Governments, and Nonprofit Organizations," nonfederal entities that expend Financial assistance of $500,000 or more in Federal awards will have a single or a program-specific audit conducted for that year. Nonfederal entities that expend less than $500,000 a year in Federal awards are exempt from Federal audit requirements for that year, except as noted in Circular A-133.
Records
Records are required to be maintained for three years following submission of the final expenditure report.
Financial Information
Account Identification
14-1612-0-1-303; 14-1611-0-1-303.
Obigations
(Grants) FY 07 est not available; FY 08 est not available; and FY 09 est not reported.
Range and Average of Financial Assistance
The previous FY average award was $102,000.
Regulations, Guidelines, and Literature
None.
Information Contacts
Regional or Local Office
None.
Headquarters Office
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Department of the Interior. Contact: Assistant Director, National Wildlife Refuge System, 4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 670, Arlington, VA 22203. Telephone: (703) 358-1744; Fax: (703) 358-2248.
Criteria for Selecting Proposals
Proposals are evaluated on the lasting effect on conservation, enhancement, and public enjoyment of wildlife and habitats.
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