EPA is soliciting applications from eligible entities (see Section III.A) under this announcement to support goals of the SNEP for coastal watershed restoration.

Program objectives include improving water quality to reduce the impact of nutrients and bacteria on water quality and aquatic life;

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restoring physical processes that support critical habitat and ecosystem function; and aligning restoration and management efforts on a regional scale to achieve greater effectiveness and efficiency.

This RFA reflects these objectives and is intended to enhance the impact and scale of local efforts, limit duplication, and provide financial and technical resources to local organizations.

Under this RFA, EPA is soliciting applications from eligible organizations to establish and manage the Network to focus on the needs of the SNEP region by providing financial and technical expertise to local communities, tribes and organizations through offering one-stop customized advice, consultation, and training, and technical stormwater services to improve local capability to manage environmental programs and improve environmental outcomes.

The goal of the Network is to enhance regional capacity to address these priorities.

EPA seeks to promote increased understanding and use of available financial and technical resources, best practices, and innovative approaches, particularly in the areas of stormwater management and financing for coastal watershed restoration efforts.

This RFA sets forth a competitive process to solicit and select an eligible organization to administer the Network for local communities, tribes and organizations under one assistance agreement to be awarded under this announcement.

Eligible applicants may provide services through existing partnerships of organizations, partnerships of organizations created in response to this RFA, and individual organizations.