Delegation Announces $1.9 Million For Protection And Preservation Of Connecticut Coastal Resources

(Hartford, CT) – Connecticut’s Congressional delegation announced yesterday $1,955,206 to protect, preserve, and responsibly develop Connecticut’s coastal resources and communities on the Long Island Sound.

"The Long Island Sound is a national treasure supporting vital activities key to economic growth and job creation in the state," the members said in a joint statement. "As a delegation, we know that keeping these resources healthy strengthens the communities that rely on them and bolsters our shipping, shipbuilding, commercial fishing, aquaculture, and tourism industries. Joining with state and local leaders, we are committed to the common goal of protecting our coastal resources and we applaud the federal government's continued commitment to that goal through grants like this one."

The funds were awarded to the state by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) – an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce. They were awarded through NOAA’s National Coastal Zone Management Program – a voluntary federal-state partnership devoted to conservation and restoration of the nation’s coastal resources and communities.

Connecticut will use the grant to administer its coastal management program, supporting projects related to harbor management, dredging, and coastal storm response.

Additionally, the grant funds marine planning projects for Long Island Sound including the administration of Long Island Sound mapping contracts. Mapping is a scientific analysis that helps determine current and anticipated sustainable uses of the Sound. On June 21, 2012, the delegation wrote to NOAA in support of this and other preservation and economic priorities related to the Sound.

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