Freshwater Wetland Mitigation Council Grant Program

The Freshwater Wetland Mitigation Council Request for Proposals is administered by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection and is part of the state’s In Lieu Fee Program. The Council was established under state statute to oversee mitigation efforts when permitted activities result in unavoidable impacts to wetlands. Through this program, monetary contributions collected from permit applicants are redistributed to fund mitigation projects that restore ecological balance. The Council operates in consultation with federal partners such as the United States Environmental Protection Agency and is responsible for ensuring that funded projects align with regulatory frameworks governing freshwater and coastal wetlands conservation. The primary purpose of this funding opportunity is to support projects that create, restore, or enhance wetlands dominated by tidal components, including intertidal and subtidal shallows. These projects are intended to compensate for ecological disturbances and generate mitigation credits that offset environmental impacts elsewhere. Eligible activities include the establishment of new wetlands in upland areas, restoration of previously degraded or converted wetland areas, and enhancement of existing wetlands to improve ecological function. The program emphasizes measurable outcomes, such as acreage restored or credits generated, to ensure that funded efforts provide tangible environmental benefits. Funding for this program is sourced from the Wetlands Mitigation Fund, with a total anticipated allocation of 2,498,728 dollars for the Atlantic Region. The Council expects to fund approximately one or two projects depending on the scale and quality of proposals submitted. The grant period extends for six years from the execution of the agreement, allowing sufficient time for design, permitting, construction, and long term monitoring. Eligible costs include personnel, contractual services, and direct project expenses such as equipment and supplies, provided they are incurred during the grant period. Notably, funds cannot be used for proposal preparation activities. Eligibility for this grant is limited to nonprofit organizations, as well as county, state, and federal agencies and other appropriate entities capable of implementing large scale environmental restoration projects. All proposed projects must be located within the Atlantic Region of New Jersey, specifically within Watershed Management Areas 12 through 16. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to carry out technically complex environmental work and comply with all applicable regulatory requirements, including state and federal environmental laws. The application process is structured in multiple stages beginning with the submission of a conceptual proposal. This initial submission must include detailed information such as project location, scope of wetland creation or restoration, requested funding amount, and anticipated mitigation credits. Proposals undergo administrative review by Council staff, followed by evaluation and decision by the Council. If approved, applicants are invited to submit a full proposal within ninety days, which must adhere to detailed technical and documentation requirements outlined by the Department. The process also includes consultation with the United States Environmental Protection Agency before final contract execution. The timeline for this funding opportunity includes a conceptual proposal deadline of October 15, 2026, followed by administrative review and Council decision in December 2026. Full proposals are due in March 2027 for selected applicants, with final decisions expected in April 2027. Once approved, projects proceed to contract execution and implementation. Throughout the project lifecycle, grantees are required to submit quarterly performance and financial reports, as well as a final report documenting outcomes and expenditures. Contact for the program is provided through the Council staff representative, ensuring applicants have access to guidance and clarification during the application process.

Prioritize clear quantification of mitigation credits and ensure full compliance with NJDEP technical requirements and checklists