Shoreline Master Program competitive grant pilot program
In the 2021-2023 biennium, we offered grant funds to support locally driven shoreline planning efforts and Shoreline Master Program (SMP) implementation. Eligible projects included:
- Planning and planning-related efforts that advance local shoreline planning
- Improving implementation of SMPs
- Sea level rise planning
Projects that were funded through the pilot program have resulted in new knowledge and experience that is transferable to local governments.
Funding cycle
- Amount of funding available: Approximately $827,000
- Grant award limit: Grants are awarded on a competitive basis, and funding requests will vary based on project type and scope. We will fund approximately 12-20 proposals and anticipate the maximum amount that may be requested is $100,000.
- Amount of matching funds required: No match required
Applications are not being accepted at this time.
The SMP competitive grant project application period has closed for the 2021-2023 biennium.
Funding is available for the following entities:
All Washington towns, cities, and counties with a Shoreline Master Program are eligible to apply for funding. Eligible local governments may submit up to two applications.
- Local planning priorities: Eligible projects will enhance the implementation of SMP policies and regulations or address a topic related to climate change adaptation within shoreline jurisdiction.
- Enhanced SMP implementation: Efforts to improve SMP implementation through permit monitoring and adaptive management.
- Sea level rise: All phases of sea level rise planning, including scoping efforts.
More information about this funding program
- 2021-23 Funding Guidelines
- Competitive Grant EAGL Application Prep Tool
- Competitive Grant Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
2021-2023 Shoreline Master Program funded competitive projects
We have awarded the following projects through our 2021-2023 SMP competitive grant pilot program.
Recipient |
Project |
Grant Amount |
Funding Source |
---|---|---|---|
Anacortes, City of |
Anacortes Shoreline Permit Monitoring Project Develop and implement a shoreline permit monitoring project to monitor shoreline authorizations for SMP compliance and identify possible solutions for improving implementation if gaps in the permitting system are identified. |
$31,900 |
Federal: NOAA Coastal Zone Management (CZM) |
Anacortes, City of |
Anacortes Shoreline SMP User Guide Project Develop an SMP User Guide and interactive website to increase the public’s understanding of shoreline development regulations and make it easier to engage with the public when completing future SMP updates. |
$20,000 |
State: Model Toxic Control Operating Account (MTCOA) |
Bainbridge Island, City of |
Bainbridge Island Sea Level Rise Flooding Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Conduct a Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Risk Assessment that will identify potential losses or damages from flooding; characterize the risk of loss; and highlight areas of the community, resources, sectors, or assets considered most vulnerable. Develop an online GIS-based map showing existing and future flood vulnerability and a final assessment report to summarize vulnerability and identify where to focus adaptation efforts. |
$100,000 |
Federal: NOAA CZM |
Chehalis, City of Community Development Department |
City of Chehalis SMP Public Outreach Conduct SMP community outreach to identify gaps in public understanding of environmental and permitting aspects of shorelines. Explain commonly used and complex SMP provisions to make it easier for the general public to understand, through pamphlets, flyers, and a multi-lingual interpretive sign. (Recipient did not have staff capacity to utilize funds; funds were reallocated to other jurisdictions). |
$9,865 |
State: MTCOA |
Chelan County Natural Resource Department |
Chelan County Riparian Mapping and Prioritization for SMP Restoration Map and prioritize riparian areas on non-federal lands across Chelan County to support better shoreline permitting. Use mapping data to update the SMP Restoration Plan, support permitting decisions, and develop outreach materials. |
$50,000 |
State: MTCOA |
Coupeville, Town of |
Coupeville Sea Level Rise Vulnerability Assessment Conduct a vulnerability assessment that will identify potential losses or damages from sea level rise; characterize the risk of loss; and highlight those areas of the community, resources, sectors, or assets considered most at risk from impacts of sea level rise. |
$47,735 |
State: MTCOA |
Jefferson County Community Development Department |
Shoreline Master Program User Guide Prepare an SMP User Guide that will provide the public with a better understanding of shoreline development regulations, minimize confusion over SMP implementation, clarify permit processes, and lead to complete application submittals and compliance with SMP requirements. |
$25,150 |
State: MTCOA |
Jefferson County Community Development Department |
Sea Level Rise Study/Report Conduct a Sea Level Rise Study that includes an analysis of existing sea level rise information, site visits to vulnerable shoreline areas, and stakeholder engagement. Develop a Sea Level Rise Planning Report to describe and identify potential effects and damages from sea level rise upon existing development and habitats, and include future strategies to protect the most vulnerable shorelines. |
$74,414 |
State: MTCOA |
Klickitat County |
Klickitat County Channel Migration Zone Mapping Prepare a map of Channel Migration Zones throughout Klickitat County to help planning efforts to avoid growth and development in hazardous areas of the county with potential for channel migration. |
$44,000 |
State: MTCOA |
King County Department of Natural Resources and Parks |
Improving King County Bulkhead Permitting Guidance Develop updated permitting guidance for the public and code change recommendations related to shoreline development, bulkheads, and sea level rise for future Comprehensive Plan updates. Clarify the marine shoreline stabilization permit process and engage with stakeholders to minimize sea level rise risk and manage King County properties in a more ecologically friendly manner. |
$43,748 |
Federal: NOAA CZM |
Lake Stevens, City of |
Lake Stevens Photographic Inventory and SMP User Guide Complete a comprehensive inventory of properties on Lake Stevens to assess nonconformities, and create an SMP User Guide for projects with nonconforming uses and common development situations. |
$30,000 | State: MTCOA |
Mason County Community Services Department |
Mason County Shoreline Master Program User Guide Develop a digital SMP User Guide, create a dedicated Mason County Shoreline Development website, and update existing SMP development application forms. |
$50,000 |
State: MTCOA |
Medina, City of |
Medina Shoreline Permit Monitoring Project Develop and implement a shoreline permit monitoring project to monitor shoreline authorizations for SMP compliance and identify possible solutions for improving implementation if gaps in the permitting system are identified. |
$32,900 |
Federal: NOAA CZM |
Medina, City of |
Medina SMP User Guide Project Develop an SMP User Guide to increase public understanding of shoreline development regulations and make it easier to engage with the general public when completing future SMP updates. |
$12,030 |
State: MTCOA |
North Bend, City of |
SMP User Guide and Program Enhancements Update the city’s SMP website, develop an SMP User Guide, and revise permit application forms. Notify shoreline property owners of the new tools available and consider how to update the internal permit tracking system to collect SMP metrics. |
$30,000 |
Federal: NOAA CZM |
Pacific County Community Development Department |
Pacific County Sea Level Rise Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Conduct a Sea Level Rise (SLR) Vulnerability and Risk Assessment to identify potential losses or damages from SLR; characterize the risk of loss; and identify areas of the Pacific County community, resources, sectors, or assets considered most vulnerable. Administer public education and outreach, provide information for future planning efforts, and identify future potential resilience projects. |
$88,000 |
State: MTCOA |
San Juan County Community Development and Planning Department |
Shoreline Permitting Cumulative Effects Evaluation Conduct a Shoreline Cumulative Effects Evaluation to improve SMP implementation by identifying possible strategies for improving permitting processes, development regulations, and programs. Assess permit records, environmental data, literature review, and case studies to better understand the cumulative effects of shoreline development on the shoreline environment in San Juan County. |
$94,550 |
State: MTCOA |
Seattle, City of |
Habitat Evaluation Procedures Program Use the Habitat Evaluation Procedures (HEP) model to develop a HEP program for the Lake Washington geography of Seattle. This permitting tool quantifies changes in both habitat quantity and quality from in-water, over-water, and riparian shoreline projects and estimates mitigation needs, helping to meet the no net loss requirement. |
$50,730 | State: MTCOA |
Stevenson, City of, Public Works Department |
Stevenson Shoreline Public Access & Trail Plan Develop a Shoreline Public Access & Trail Plan to help implement the SMP and identify local needs and opportunities for an integrated shoreline public access system that reflects the Comprehensive Plan and community vision, helps streamline shoreline permitting, and reduces conflicts between adjacent uses. |
$72,000 | State: MTCOA |
Tacoma, City of |
Tacoma Tideflats Level Rise Adaptation Guide Develop a framework to apply sea level rise adaptation measures in Tacoma's Tideflats Subarea, with consideration for Tribal Treaty Rights, priority shoreline uses, essential public facilities, and habitat enhancement. |
$60,000 | Federal: NOAA CZM |
Westport, City of |
Strategy and Engagement in Sea Level Rise Planning Increase staff knowledge and capacity to conduct sea level rise hazards planning, educate stakeholders to assist in future planning recommendations, and create planning guidance documents for the city of Westport. |
$42,000 | State: MTCOA |
Whatcom County Public Works Department |
Compound Flood Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Convene a multi-jurisdictional team to develop a Vulnerability & Risk Assessment (VRA) for marine and lower Nooksack riverine shorelines using Compound Flood Models. The VRA will be used to craft policies, regulations, land use plans, infrastructure plans, maintenance plans, and mitigation plans to address projected climate impacts and build community resilience. |
$100,000 | State: MTCOA |
Related links
Contact information
Rebecca Rothwell
Shoreline Planning Grant Program Coordinator
rebecca.rothwell@ecy.wa.gov
360-810-0025
Amy Krause
Fund Coordinator / Financial Manager
amy.krause@ecy.wa.gov
360-742-7789
Layne Slone
Fund Coordinator / Financial Manager
layne.slone@ecy.wa.gov
360-867-8171
Cindy James
Fund Coordinator / Financial Manager
cindy.james@ecy.wa.gov
360-280-8645
Michele Boderck
Fund Coordinator / Financial Manager
michele.boderk@ecy.wa.gov
360-764-6807