Coastal Protection Fund – Terry Husseman Account Grants

The Coastal Protection Fund Terry Husseman Account (THA) Grants program is administered by the Washington State Department of Ecology through its Shorelands and Environmental Assistance Program. The fund was established by the Washington State Legislature to support projects that restore or enhance environmental resources, particularly those connected to water quality and aquatic ecosystems. Funding is derived primarily from penalties associated with violations of the state’s Water Pollution Control Act, and these funds are reinvested into projects that provide tangible environmental benefits for public resources across Washington State. The primary purpose of the THA grant program is to support locally sponsored projects that improve environmental conditions, especially in or adjacent to water bodies such as streams, lakes, wetlands, and coastal areas. Eligible projects must demonstrate clear benefits to public resources, including land and water stewardship and related infrastructure. Typical project types include riparian restoration, wetland restoration, streambank stabilization, aquatic habitat enhancement, livestock exclusion fencing, and development of aquatic geographic information systems. Projects that address environmental emergencies or demonstrate statewide significance may also be considered and can be submitted outside the standard funding cycle with prior approval. Funding for THA grants is variable and depends on available revenue from water quality penalties and regional account balances. For the 2026 cycle, individual grant awards can be up to 100,000 dollars, with typical awards ranging between 10,000 and 50,000 dollars. The program provides full funding for eligible project costs, meaning no matching funds or cost-share contributions are required from applicants. However, applicants may include additional leveraged resources to strengthen their proposals. Projects are generally expected to be completed within a period of 12 to 24 months following agreement execution. Eligibility for the program is limited to public and quasi-public entities within Washington State. These include counties, cities, towns, state agencies, federally recognized tribal governments, and certain special purpose districts such as conservation districts, ports, and public utility districts. Regional Fisheries Enhancement Groups are also eligible. Private entities and nonprofit organizations are generally not eligible to receive direct funding, although they may participate as project partners. This structure ensures that funded projects are publicly accountable and aligned with statewide environmental priorities. The application process is conducted through the Department of Ecology’s EAGL IGX online grants system. For the 2026 funding cycle, applications opened on January 6, 2026 and closed on February 10, 2026. Following submission, applications undergo screening and evaluation based on a structured scoring system totaling 60 points. Evaluation criteria include project outcomes, deliverables, budget, schedule, community support, readiness to proceed, alignment with planning efforts, benefits to overburdened communities, and climate resilience considerations. Successful applicants were notified in early April 2026, with agreements negotiated shortly thereafter and project start dates beginning on or after May 1, 2026. Grant recipients are responsible for managing project implementation, including compliance with administrative requirements, procurement rules, and reporting obligations. Funds are disbursed on a reimbursement basis, requiring recipients to submit quarterly progress reports and payment requests. Projects must adhere to specific guidelines related to eligible costs, cultural resource protection, and environmental compliance. Deliverables and timelines are formalized in grant agreements, and recipients must complete all required reporting and documentation to receive reimbursement. Although the standard application cycle occurs annually, the THA program allows for ongoing submission of proposals for environmental emergency or statewide significance projects, provided applicants coordinate with program administrators in advance. This flexibility ensures that urgent or high-impact environmental needs can be addressed in a timely manner outside the regular funding window. Overall, the THA grant program plays a critical role in advancing environmental restoration and water quality improvements throughout Washington State.

Strong applications clearly demonstrate environmental outcomes, readiness to proceed, community support, and climate resilience benefits while aligning deliverables and budget with project goals.