Post Hurricane Beach Restoration at McFaddin NWR | Apply Online

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the "Post Hurricane Beach Restoration at McFaddin NWR" grant opportunity?

This discretionary government grant supports restoration work on the beach ridge along McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge (NWR) after severe damage caused by Hurricane Ike. The work focuses on repairing the protective ridge so it can again serve as a barrier for the refuge's interior marshes.

What problem is the project trying to fix?

Hurricane Ike eroded and lowered the beach ridge, reducing its ability to block seawater from crossing into the refuge. The storm surge lowered ridge elevations by about 1 to 2 feet along the shoreline and created an estimated 10 to 15 major "blowouts" (low points) along about 20 miles of beach, which makes it easier for seawater to overtop and enter the refuge.

Where will the restoration work take place?

The project targets the most heavily impacted portions of roughly 18 miles of beach associated with McFaddin National Wildlife Refuge.

What are "blowouts" in the context of this opportunity?

"Blowouts" are major low points created in the beach ridge where storm forces removed sand and lowered the ridge. These gaps allow seawater to cross more easily into the refuge interior compared to intact, higher-elevation ridge segments.

Why is rebuilding the beach ridge important for the refuge?

The beach ridge is described as a critical line of defense for more than 55,000 acres of intermediate marsh managed by the refuge. When the ridge is compromised, saltwater can move into marsh areas during high tides, particularly in summer and fall, causing recurring overwash that threatens habitat quality and makes management of large portions of the refuge difficult.

What is the core purpose of the proposed project?

The core purpose is to restore the beach ridge so it functions again as a barrier protecting the refuge's interior marsh system, reducing chronic saltwater flooding and supporting effective refuge management.

How does saltwater intrusion affect the refuge?

With the ridge damaged, saltwater is able to push into the interior marsh during high tides, especially during summer and fall. This recurring overwash threatens wildlife habitat through saltwater intrusion and complicates refuge operations and management.

What restoration approach is being proposed?

The approach is to fill in the blown-out sections and raise the beach ridge back to an elevation that blocks both lunar-driven and seasonal high tides from flowing into the marsh.

What outcomes is the project expected to achieve?

By rebuilding the ridge, the project aims to reduce chronic saltwater flooding, protect marsh vegetation and habitat quality, and restore conditions that allow effective refuge management.

Why does the opportunity mention Gulf oil contamination risk?

The opportunity notes that a compromised ridge increases the risk of Gulf oil contamination reaching interior marshes if a spill occurs. Restoring the ridge is presented as a way to reduce the likelihood that oil could cross into and harm marsh habitats.

How significant is McFaddin NWR for wildlife?

The refuge is described as a major wintering area for migratory birds and supports more than 100,000 migratory waterfowl annually. The project benefits are therefore intended to extend beyond the shoreline into broader habitat networks important to Gulf Coast wildlife.

What type of grant is this?

This is a discretionary grant categorized under Disaster Prevention and Relief.

Who is eligible to apply for this grant?

Eligibility is limited to state governments.

Which state partner is specifically referenced in the opportunity?

The opportunity specifically points to the Texas General Land Office (GLO) as a key partner with experience and prior work related to the problem.

What role is the Texas General Land Office (GLO) expected to play?

The GLO is noted as having conducted preliminary assessments important for developing a workable solution. It is also described as being positioned to provide at least $1,000,000 in support through partnerships and other grants, potentially helping move the effort from planning into implementation.

What kinds of contributions may count toward the non-federal support described?

The opportunity mentions that support may come as in-kind contributions such as permitting assistance, NEPA preparation, engineering work, or other project components that advance the restoration effort.

Is there a cost sharing or matching requirement?

Yes. A cost sharing or matching requirement applies, meaning the recipient is expected to contribute non-federal resources toward the project.

How much funding is available under this opportunity?

The estimated total funding amount listed is $3,200,000.

What is the expected award size range?

Individual award sizes are listed with a floor of $2,000,000 and a ceiling of $6,000,000.

How many awards are expected to be made?

The expected number of awards is one.

When was the opportunity posted, and what were the closing dates?

The opportunity was posted on June 22, 2010. The original closing date and current closing date are both June 25, 2010.

When was the opportunity archived?

The archive date is listed as July 25, 2010.

Who is the contact person for the full announcement or questions?

The listed contact is Tim Cooper, Project Leader for the Texas Chenier Plain Refuges Complex, based in Anahuac, Texas.

How can Tim Cooper be reached?

Phone: 409-267-3337
Email: timcooper@fws.gov