Coastal zone enhancement grants

For purposes of this section, the term “coastal zone enhancement objective” means any of the following objectives: The Secretary shall evaluate and rank State proposals for funding under this section, and make funding awards based on those proposals, taking into account the criteria established by the Secretary under subsection (d). The Secretary shall ensure that funding decisions under this section take into consideration the fiscal and technical needs of proposing States and the overall merit of each proposal in terms of benefits to the public. Within 12 months following November 5, 1990, and consistent with the notice and participation requirements established in section 1463 of this title, the Secretary shall promulgate regulations concerning coastal zone enhancement grants that establish— A State shall not be required to contribute any portion of the cost of any proposal for which funding is awarded under this section. Beginning in fiscal year 1991, not less than 10 percent and not more than 20 percent of the amounts appropriated to implement sections 1455 and 1455a of this title shall be retained by the Secretary for use in implementing this section, up to a maximum of $10,000,000 annually. If the Secretary finds that the State is not undertaking the actions committed to under the terms of the grant, the Secretary shall suspend the State’s eligibility for further funding under this section for at least one year.