NOAA has initiated two rounds of Coastal Habitat Restoration and Resilience Grants under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act, distributing nearly $25 million for 35 projects in the first round and recommending over $45 million for 27 projects in the second. This funding primarily supports federally recognized tribes and underserved communities, enhancing their involvement in habitat restoration and resilience efforts.
Key Projects from the Second Round:
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Alaska:
- Central Council of Tlingit and Haida: $3 million for capacity building in coastal restoration.
- Chugach Regional Resources Commission: $2.9 million for tribal collaboration to enhance coastal resilience.
- Tyonek Tribal Conservation District: $1.1 million for salmon habitat restoration.
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West Coast:
- California: Projects by the Mid Klamath Watershed Council ($589,000) and others engage local tribes in restoring salmon habitats.
- Oregon: The Columbia River Inter-Tribal Fish Commission ($794,000) focuses on salmon recovery.
- Washington: Lummi Indian Business Council ($491,000) and Makah Tribe ($1 million) address habitat restoration and monitoring.
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Pacific Islands:
- Hawaiʻi: Hui Aloha Kīholo ($2.2 million) supports watershed restoration and community capacity.
- CNMI: Collaborative restoration in Achugao and Laolao Bay watersheds ($1 million).
- Gulf of America:
- Projects across Alabama, Florida, and Louisiana focus on improving community resilience and habitat restoration.
This funding fosters community involvement in environmental stewardship, enhancing resilience against climate change and supporting traditional practices.
