Revealed: $575 Million Boost for America’s Coasts to Battle Climate Chaos – Is Your State on the List?

Historic Investment in Coastal Resilience Announced

The Biden-Harris Administration has emphasized its commitment to climate resiliency with a groundbreaking announcement. Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo declared a recommendation of $575 million in funding. This is aimed at reinforcing climate resilience across 19 projects in coastal and Great Lakes states and territories, marking a historic move.

The funding, provided through NOAA’s Climate Resilience Regional Challenge (CRRC), is backed by the Inflation Reduction Act. This act is recognized as the most significant climate investment in history, underscoring the administration’s determination to combat climate change impacts.

In Perth Amboy, New Jersey, Deputy Commerce Secretary Don Graves and NOAA Deputy Administrator Jainey Bavishi announced a substantial $72.5 million for 16 coastal New Jersey counties. This project aims to bolster the state’s coast against climate hazards.

Graves emphasized the importance of this initiative, stating, “This investment is about keeping coastal communities safe and ensuring the next generation can lead dignified lives.”

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Expanding Resilience Efforts Nationwide

Beyond New Jersey, NOAA Administrator Dr. Richard Spinrad and White House National Climate Advisor Ali Zaidi revealed a $69 million project in Portland, Maine. This funding will enhance the resilience of the state’s working waterfronts and build capacity to handle climate change impacts.

Other states and regions recommended for funding include:

• Alaska
• California
• Hawai’i

This investment highlights the administration’s dedication to safeguarding lives and livelihoods in coastal communities across America.

CRRC, introduced in 2023, is a one-time funding opportunity designed to bolster resilience against extreme weather and climate change. The program encourages regional collaboration and equity, aiming to build enduring capacity in communities.

Unprecedented Demand for Climate Resilience Funding

NOAA’s announcement saw an unprecedented level of demand for funding, with nearly 870 eligible Letters of Intent requesting over $16 billion in funds. Out of these, 120 applicants were selected to submit full proposals, totaling more than $3 billion in combined requests.

The competitive grant program focuses on collaborative projects that enhance the resilience of coastal communities to climate change impacts, such as sea level rise and drought. This aligns with the Biden-Harris Administration’s National Climate Resilience Framework.

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By promoting regional collaboration, CRRC aims to ensure that coastal communities are better prepared to face the challenges posed by extreme weather and climate change. This initiative is a crucial step towards building a sustainable future.

For additional information on the Climate Resilience Regional Challenge, visit the official website and learn more about the projects and their impacts on coastal resilience.

A Significant Move Towards Climate Resilience

The allocation of funds through the CRRC is a testament to the administration’s proactive approach to climate change. This investment is not just about immediate relief but also about establishing long-term resilience and sustainability.

By focusing on regions that are on the frontlines of climate change, the administration aims to protect valuable coastal infrastructure and the communities that depend on it. This initiative is a beacon of hope for those affected by the increasing frequency and severity of extreme weather events.

The collaborative nature of the CRRC projects fosters a sense of community and shared responsibility. It encourages regions to work together towards a common goal of climate resilience and sustainability.

This historic investment is a clear indication that the administration is committed to tackling the climate crisis head-on, ensuring a safer, more resilient future for all coastal communities.

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