Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account Grant

Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Washington State Recreation and Conservation Office
Amount: Up to US $1,000,000
Last Updated: January 16, 2026

Summary

The Aquatic Lands Enhancement Account supports the protection and enhancement of aquatic lands in Washington State. Established in 1984, it funds projects that improve public access and restore ecological health. Eligible applicants include local and state agencies, as well as Native American tribes. Projects may involve the acquisition or restoration of aquatic lands, with a funding cap of $1 million, of which $500,000 can be allocated for development or restoration efforts.

Overview

In 1984, the Washington State Legislature created this grant program to ensure that money generated from aquatic lands was used to protect and enhance those lands. Grants may be used for the acquisition, improvement, or protection of aquatic lands for public purposes. They also may be used to provide or improve public access to the waterfront. Aquatic lands are all tidelands, shore lands, harbor areas, and the beds of navigable waters. Typical Projects Removing bulkheads to restore natural beach functionsRestoring an estuaryReplacing a waterfront boardwalkRestoring shoreline for salmon habitatDeveloping a waterfront park Funding Funding generally is awarded every 2 years. ALEA is funded almost entirely by revenue generated from aquatic lands and is used to improve those lands or access to them. The Washington State Department of Natural Resources manages the state-owned aquatic lands and generates revenue from activities such as leasing waterfront sites to marinas and selling harvest rights for geoduck clams. Combination (acquisition and development or restoration)  up to $1 million. Not more than $500,000 may be for development or restoration.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. Who May Apply?Cities, counties, townsFederally recognized Native American tribesSpecial purpose district, port district, or other political subdivision of the state if legally authorized to acquire and develop public open space, habitat, or recreation landsState agenciesThe above entities must be authorized legally to acquire and develop public open space, habitat, or recreation facilities.Eligible ProjectsAcquisition: Buying land, leases, conservation easements, or access easements that will provide reasonable public access. Restoration: Returning damaged or altered land to a condition that could be reasonably expected to substantially improve ecological conditions. The work is expected to result in a site that is self-sustaining and will not require continual intervention to function as a predominantly natural ecosystem.Restoration projects must allow or provide public access to aquatic lands. Restoration projects with interpretive or educational elements are strongly encouraged.Development: Improving, renovating, or providing new structures or facilities that support public access to aquatic lands and waters for water-dependent activities. Educational features are strongly encouraged.All marine waters are, by definition, navigable, as are portions of rivers influenced by tides. Navigable rivers and lakes are those determined by the judiciary, those bounded by meander lines, or those that could have been used for commerce at the time of statehood. Contact the Washington Department of Natural Resources aquatics land manager here for your area to see if your project is in navigable waters.

Ineligibility

Ineligible ProjectsConcessionaire buildingsFish and other wildlife production facilitiesIndoor facilities such as pools, community centers, museums, environmental centersOffices, shops, residences, meeting roomsOperating, overhead, and incidental costsRoutine maintenance costsLegally mandated clean-up or mitigation costs not associated with the project