Application Deadlines
Please refer to the RFAB Calendar or call 757-247-8155 for application and meeting dates.Background
In July 1992, the
Virginia General Assembly enacted legislation authorizing the
implementation of a saltwater recreational fishing license. Pursuant
to Virginia Code Section 28.3-302.3
§ 28.2-302.3. Virginia Saltwater Recreational Fishing Development Fund established.
There is hereby established a special, nonreverting fund in the state treasury to be known as the Virginia Saltwater Recreational Fishing Development Fund, hereafter referred to as the Fund. The interest earned on the principal of the Fund also shall not revert to the general fund. The Fund shall be administered by the Commission, to be used solely for the purposes of conserving and enhancing finfish species taken by recreational anglers; enforcing the provisions of §§ 28.2-302, 28.2-302.1, and 28.2-302.6 through 28.2- 302.9 and regulations promulgated thereunder; improving recreational fishing opportunities; administrating the Virginia Saltwater Sport Fishing Tournament certificates program; obtaining necessary data and conducting research for fisheries management; and creating or restoring habitat for species taken by recreational fishermen. The Fund shall consist of moneys collected pursuant to §§ 28.2-302, 28.2-302.2, and 28.2-302.6 through 28.2-302.9.
Priority Concerns and Application Deadlines
A major responsibility of the RFAB is to review proposed fund expenditures to ensure they support projects which contribute significantly to the management and enhancement of recreationally important species and enhance recreational fishing opportunities.
The following categories have been identified as the areas of priority concern for recreational fisheries and proposals for Fund expenditures should address needs within these categories. In addition, the RFAB had adopted funding targets, expressed as a percentage of total fund expenditures, for each of these categories, which are also listed below.
The RFAB Grant Program accepts grant applications from public and non-profit entities addressing any of the above priority areas.
For the Research and Data Collection Program, the RFAB may publish a Request for Proposals (RFP) announcing funding priorities for the upcoming funding cycle. RFP's will be published approximately 60 days prior to each deadline. While proposals addressing any appropriate research topic will be accepted for review, funding preference will be given to proposals addressing issues specifically requested and defined in the appropriate RFP.
The RFAB periodically may issue RFP's, which address other categories of the Priority Concerns, and that information will be available in the same manner.
Proposal Guidelines
Each proposal must include a completed Project Application form, listing a full and detailed description of the scope of the work, a list of anticipated deliverables and final products, a detailed budget, and anticipated timeline for the project. We prefer to receive the complete application via E-mail or CD in Microsoft Word/Excel or Adobe PDF format. However, if you do not have the computer capabilities, hard copies will be accepted. All proposals must be typed, on one side of the paper, and must not exceed 15 pages in length including figures, tables, drawings, etc. Failure to submit the proposal in the appropriate format or to meet these guidelines will result in the return of the proposal to the applicant. For additional information, contact RFAB Coordinator, Sonya Davis by E-mail at sonya.davis@mrc.virginia.gov or call (757) 247-8155.
The Project Proposal should contain the following elements:
I.) Need: State the problem or deficiency that the project will improve.
II.) Objective: Provide a concise statement of what is anticipated and the target date(s).
III.) Expected Results or Benefits: Describe to the extent possible the benefits, which will accrue to Virginia's recreational fishermen and the resource.
IV.) Approach: Describe how the work will be conducted including steps to be taken and target dates, personnel required.
V.) Location: Identify where the project will be carried out.
VI.) Estimated Cost: Provide the estimated cost by line item, including matching funds used.
Other Information:
Application
We prefer to receive the complete application via E-mail or CD in Microsoft Word/Excel or Adobe PDF format. However, if you do not have the computer capabilities, hard copies will be accepted. Applicants should submit 1 original on letter-sized paper (see additional Proposal Guidelines above). If you have items on over-sized paper (ie: engineering drawings) please mail 12 copies to the following address:
Complete E-mail or FAX copies will be accepted to meet the application deadline.
The Recreational Fishing Advisory Board (RFAB) meets the second Monday of the designated months at the Virginia Marine Resources Commission, 2600 Washington Ave., 4th Floor, Newport News, VA.
General Meeting Schedule for Each Funding Cycle
1) The applicant is provided the opportunity to present his or her project to the RFAB.
2) Projects to be peer reviewed:
A) Research and Monitoring Projects: Peer reviews are completed by qualified personnel from organizations such as VIMS, ODU, VPI, ASMFC, NMFS, and others as determined by staff. Reviewers are not involved with the proposal and do not review proposals submitted from their own organizations.
B) Facilities/Access: VDGIF and others as determined by staff.
1) RFAB will hold advertised public hearings to accept comment on each project application.
2) Public comment on other subjects will also be accepted at that time.
3) Written public comment is accepted during the entire review cycle.
1.) RFAB will discuss projects and prepare for their final recommendations.
1.) RFAB will prioritize projects and make recommendations to the VMRC.
2.) Final approval by VMRC at the Commission meeting held that month. The Commission may choose to hold an additional public hearing at the meeting, but are not required to do so.
