USDA Requests Proposals for Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program

MORGANTOWN WV, May 19, 2005–The Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) announces $4 million is available in financial assistance for Wetlands Reserve Enhancement Program (WREP) partnership proposals that restore and protect habitat for migratory birds and other wetland dependent wildlife.

A request for proposals (RFP) is available on the agency's website and the Federal eGrants website at http://www.grants.gov. Applicants have until June 30 to submit proposals. Funds will be awarded through a nationwide competition that also includes the Pacific Basin and Caribbean Area.

For fiscal year 2005, NRCS will focus on WREP proposals that address wetland creation and enhancement efforts on prior-year enrolled contracts, those where partners will contribute significantly to WRP delivery and technical assistance costs, and easement management projects. NRCS estimates these funds, along with contributions from partners, may result in wetland restoration, creation, enhancement, and easement management on approximately 5,000 acres.

WREP is available to individuals, nongovernmental organizations and state, tribal and local governmental agencies. Proposals must include non-federal funding for at least 50 percent of the project's technical assistance cost. Technical assistance contributions may be in the form of in-kind contributions. NRCS will accept proposals for single or mulit-year projects, not to exceed three years. Address West Virginia applications to: Ronald Hilliard, State Conservationist; 75 High Street, Room 301; Morgantown, WV 26505.

For more information, please contact your local USDA Service Center, listed in the telephone book under U.S. Department of Agriculture, or your local conservation district. A WREP RFP that includes an overview of the program, proposal requirements, evaluation criteria and application information is available at http://www.nrcs.usda.gov/programs/wrp

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