The Biden administration has announced plans to pour US$562 million into nearly 150 projects in 30 U.S. states and territories to help coastal communities cope with the impacts of climate change.
The Climate-Ready Coasts Initiative under the U.S. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) includes $477 million for 149 nature-based infrastructure projects, plus smaller funds to help communities prepare for flooding and protect coastal ecosystems, American City & County reports. Funding comes from two recent pieces of legislation: the 2021 Bipartisan Infrastructure Law and the 2022 Inflation Reduction Act.
“The investments are targeted at community-driven efforts to push back against the effects of climate change at the local level,” the news story states. “In Hawai’i, for example, eight projects will receive $26 million to make communities and the environment more resilient,” with funds earmarked to restore coral reefs and degraded habitats, strengthen coastal resilience, and remove plastic marine debris and recycle it into public infrastructure.
“These investments will create jobs while protecting people, communities and ecosystems from the threats of climate change, and help our nation take the steps it needs to become more resilient and build a clean energy economy,” Commerce Secretary Gina Raimondo said in a statement.
“As ocean temperatures and sea levels continue to rise, we must prioritize sustainable climate solutions that protect our coastlines and the communities that call them home,” added Sen. Mazie Hirono (D-HI). “With this funding, NOAA is investing in community-driven solutions to build more resilient infrastructure and help combat the impacts of climate change.”
