The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (ADCNR) is seeking proposals for projects aimed at protecting and enhancing the state's coastal resources.

The request for proposals (RFP), administered through the Alabama Coastal Area Management Program (ACAMP), is open for projects in Mobile and Baldwin counties for Fiscal Year 2026, which runs from Oct. 1 of this year to Sept. 30 of 2026.

The competitive funding opportunity uses federal dollars anticipated from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) under the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972. Projects should focus on improving natural, cultural or historical coastal resources while boosting sustainability, resiliency and preparedness in local communities.

ELIGIBLE PROJECTS AND FOCUS AREAS

ACAMP is accepting proposals in two categories: planning and education/outreach and land acquisition/low-cost construction.

Planning and education/outreach projects must address at least one of the following focus areas:

• Government coordination and local planning
• Coastal hazards and resilient communities
• Coastal habitats, wetland protection, and resource stewardship
• Nonpoint source pollution control

Land acquisition and low-cost construction projects must relate to:

• Public access to coastal resources through land acquisition or construction projects expanding public access

FUNDING DETAILS

Eligible projects require a 1:1 match with non-federal funds, as required by the CZMA. The program's preferred funding range is between $20,000 and $50,000 in federal funds. If selected, funding is expected to become available on or after Oct. 1, for a 12-month period.

WHO CAN APPLY?

The following entities are eligible to submit proposals:

• Coastal units of government, including Mobile and Baldwin counties, municipalities and tribal governments
• Area-wide and regional planning agencies, conservation districts and port authorities
• Alabama state agencies whose activities impact or are impacted by coastal area activities
• Alabama school districts, public colleges, universities and institutions of higher learning

HOW TO APPLY

Applications and submission requirements are available at www.outdooralabama.com/coastalprograms. The website includes the Application Guidance and a downloadable Annual Funding Application form. For assistance, contact the Coastal Section at (251) 621-1216.

SUBMISSION DEADLINE

Proposals must be submitted by 5 p.m. on Friday, May 9. Submissions can be sent by:

Email: Send in PDF format to DCNR.Coastal@dcnr.alabama.gov with "ACAMP Funding Application" in the subject line.

Overnight courier, hand delivery or regular mail: State Lands Division Coastal Section, c/o Will Underwood, 31115 Five Rivers Boulevard, Spanish Fort, AL 36527.

Due to recent mail delays, ADCNR encourages applicants to use email, courier or hand delivery methods to ensure timely arrival. It is the sole responsibility of applicants to confirm their submission is received before the deadline.