Key Facts
- Total funding
- $144 million
- New NOAA grants
- $72 million
- NFWF National Coastal Resilience Fund
- $72 million
- Funding source
- Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
- Announcement date
- November 29, 2023
Background
The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) have announced a combined $144 million in grants to support coastal resilience projects across the United States. The funding is made available through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which was enacted to address climate change impacts and strengthen coastal communities.
The announcement, made on November 29, 2023, includes $72 million in new grants from NOAA and an additional $72 million from NFWF's National Coastal Resilience Fund. These funds are intended to help communities prepare for and recover from coastal hazards such as storms, flooding, and erosion.
Current Situation
The $144 million total comprises $72 million in new NOAA grants and $72 million in previously announced NFWF awards. The new NOAA grants will support projects that restore or enhance coastal habitats, reduce flood risk, and improve community resilience to extreme weather events.
NFWF's National Coastal Resilience Fund, which is part of the total, has been a key mechanism for channeling federal funds to local projects. The grants are expected to benefit coastal states and territories, though specific project locations have not been detailed in the announcement.
| Source | Amount |
|---|---|
| NOAA new grants | $72 million |
| NFWF National Coastal Resilience Fund | $72 million |
| Total | $144 million |
Impacts
The grants are expected to directly benefit coastal communities by funding projects that restore wetlands, dunes, and other natural barriers that protect against storm surges and flooding. These projects can also enhance wildlife habitat and support local economies through recreation and tourism.
Second-order impacts may include reduced property damage from coastal storms, lower insurance costs for residents, and improved water quality. However, the specific outcomes will depend on the projects selected and their implementation over time.
Future Outlook
Scenario analysis: The possibilities below are not certain predictions.
If the funded projects are implemented as planned, coastal communities could see measurable improvements in resilience within the next few years. However, the success of these projects may depend on continued federal funding and local capacity to manage them.
Should additional funding become available, NOAA and NFWF could expand the program to cover more areas. Conversely, if funding is reduced or projects face delays, the expected benefits may not be fully realized. The long-term impact will also depend on how climate change affects coastal hazards in the coming decades.
Source: NOAA National Ocean Service
