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TALLAHASSEE - The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) has been awarded a $2.57 million
grant from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to continue and increase protection for
Florida’s coastal resources and to further the state’s work in revitalizing coastal communities.
“The help of federal grant funding means that Florida can continue our commitment to restore marine habitat and
safeguard vital coastal areas,” said DEP Secretary Michael W. Sole. “By working with other agencies as well as local
governments and nonprofit organizations, we can protect the sandy beaches and coastal communities that attract
millions of visitors every year and provide an outstanding quality of life for residents.”
The grant will be used for a variety of state priorities including investigating Florida’s offshore springs and
archaeological sites; continue the agency’s understanding and research with non-point source pollution such as
fertilizers, oil and grease runoff from roadways, or faulty septic systems; developing plans for post-disaster
redevelopment and harmful algal bloom response; restoring seagrasses; developing a statewide program for reporting
seagrass status and trends; and developing a beach sediment atlas. In addition, five coastal communities and
non-profit groups will receive funds to improve public access to public lands, restore coastal habitats, revitalize
waterfront areas, promote shoreline stewardship and develop a maritime museum. These five subgrants, totaling
almost $200,000 and distributed by DEP to the local communities, support the larger mission of the federal grant
and contribute to the state’s environmental priorities.
DEP’s Florida Coastal Management Program administers the annual cooperative grant from NOAA. The Program includes
a network of agencies that protect and enhance the state’s natural, cultural and economic coastal resources and helps
sustain viable waterfront communities. The program coordinates local, state and federal agency activities using
existing laws to ensure that Florida's coast remains a valuable resource for future generations. The Program also
provides beach safety and access materials to coastal communities, such as the state’s beach safety flag system and
rip current awareness signs.
For more information on the Florida Coastal Management Program, including information on applying for local grant
funding, visit http://www.dep.state.fl.us/mainpage/programs/cmp.htm.
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