LAUTENBERG, MENENDEZ ANNOUNCE MORE THAN $2.5 MILLION FOR COASTAL MANAGEMENT RESEARCH

NEWARK, N.J. – U.S. Sens. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) and Robert Menendez (D-NJ) today announced that the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has awarded more than $2.5 million in federal funds to the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection (NJDEP) for its Coastal Management Program.

“These funds will help ensure that New Jersey’s Coastal Management Program will continue to provide environmental, educational and safety benefits to our coastal communities,” Sen. Lautenberg said.  “We need to continue supporting New Jersey’s history of innovative coastal research and this grant will further that effort.”

Sen. Menendez said, “The Jersey Shore is a treasure of the Garden State, both environmentally and economically.  This type of investment into research and protection is important to help our shore and the communities along it continue to thrive.”

The $2,545,000 grant will help NJDEP administer the Coastal Management Program and provide support for the review of proposed development and enforcement on coastal lands.  The funds will be used to support the Coastal and Ocean Protection Council, which was established this year to prevent the depletion of New Jersey’s marine resources.  Funds will also be used to:

• Improve habitat management in the Delaware River estuary;
• Map potential storm damage and rising sea levels; and
• Expand and evaluate the state’s Clean Marina Program, which helps prevent harmful environmental practices through education and outreach to marina owners and boaters.

The Coastal Management Program oversees New Jersey’s coastal area, which includes portions of eight counties and 126 municipalities.  The program was established to ensure that coastal resources are preserved to enhance the environment and economy of coastal communities.

Since May, Sens. Lautenberg and Menendez have announced more than $5.7 million for environmental, coastal and ocean research in New Jersey.

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