Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account Grant Program

The Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account is a state-administered grant program established by the Washington State Legislature in 1984 to ensure that revenue generated from state-owned aquatic lands is reinvested into the protection, enhancement, and public accessibility of those lands. The program is supported primarily through revenue collected by the Washington State Department of Natural Resources from activities such as leasing waterfront sites and selling harvesting rights for aquatic resources. The overarching goal is to preserve ecological integrity while expanding public access to Washington’s aquatic environments. This program funds projects that focus on the acquisition, restoration, development, and improvement of aquatic lands, which include tidelands, shorelands, harbor areas, and the beds of navigable waters. Eligible activities include purchasing land or conservation easements to secure public access, restoring degraded shoreline ecosystems such as estuaries or beaches, and developing facilities like waterfront parks, boardwalks, or access points that support water-dependent recreation. Restoration projects are expected to result in sustainable ecological improvements that do not require ongoing intervention, while development projects must support public use and are encouraged to incorporate educational or interpretive features. Funding is awarded on a biennial basis, with a total program funding amount of approximately $4.3 million available for the current cycle. Individual project awards vary by project type, with acquisition and combination projects eligible for up to $1 million, while restoration and development projects are generally capped at $500,000. Administrative costs are limited depending on project type, and acquisition projects may include up to five percent for administration, while development projects may include up to twenty percent. All projects require a minimum 50 percent match, which may be fulfilled through a combination of cash, in-kind contributions, labor, equipment, materials, or other grant sources. Eligible applicants include cities, counties, towns, federally recognized Native American tribes, state agencies, and special purpose districts such as port districts or other political subdivisions, provided they are legally authorized to acquire and manage public open space, habitat, or recreation lands. All funded projects must be associated with navigable waters as defined by Washington state law, and recipients are required to maintain the funded property for public outdoor recreation use in perpetuity, ensuring long-term public benefit. The application process begins with an opening date tied to an informational webinar, followed by a structured timeline that includes technical review, completion deadlines, project evaluation, and final approval by the governing board. For the current cycle, applications opened on February 11, 2026 and are due by April 30, 2026. Following submission, projects undergo technical and evaluation reviews through the summer, with final funding decisions made in late October. Applicants are required to submit multiple forms and certifications, including match documentation and project scope acknowledgments, as part of the application package. Evaluation criteria emphasize the ecological and public access benefits of proposed projects, alignment with statewide priorities, and readiness to proceed. Applicants are encouraged to use available resources such as program manuals, scoring tools, and planning maps to strengthen their proposals. While no specific individual contact is listed, applicants are directed to consult regional aquatic land managers for project eligibility confirmation and technical guidance, particularly regarding navigable waters requirements and project feasibility.

Focus on strong ecological outcomes, clear public access benefits, and alignment with statewide priorities. Ensure readiness and complete documentation.