The national oceanic and atmospheric administration (NOAA) is providing ongoing funding through the national coastal zone management program to the state of georgia to help administer the states…

The national oceanic and atmospheric administration (NOAA) is providing ongoing funding through the national coastal zone management program to the state of georgia to help administer the states federally approved coastal management program. The national coastal zone management program, under the coastal zone management act, is an important voluntary federal-state partnership that protects, restores, and responsibly develops our nations coastal communities and resources by balancing economic development, coastal uses, and natural resource protection. Noaas investment of $5,770,000 is leveraging over $5,236,000 in state funds. These funds will support jobs and provide continued assistance to the georgia coastal management program (GCMP) to address many important coastal issues in the state including coastal hazards, habitat protection and restoration, water quality, aquaculture, marine debris, coastal community development, shoreline management, and public access. For example, the GCMP administers the coastal incentive grant program, which is a competitive pass-through subgrant program through which funds are provided to local governments, other state agencies, regional commissions, and state affiliated educational and research institutions that contribute to the achievement of GCMP goals and objectives. The funding also supports ongoing coastal permitting, compliance, planning, public outreach, research, and technical assistance to local governments. The award is funding a number of state and local projects or initiatives including: a detailed understanding of the distribution and character of sand resources in state waters which is critical for beach and dune system restoration. Analysis and evaluation of chatham county's codes and ordinances to support proactive changes that maximize preparedness and overall resilience to natural disasters and sea level rise. The establishment of a statewide oyster shell recycling initiative to support coastal restoration efforts. Research of salt marsh habitats to help facilitate spartina alterniflora nursery production for salt marsh restoration efforts in coastal georgia. Improvements to the city of kingslands floodplain and stormwater management programs to become a more resilient community and mitigate the impacts from future flood events. Development of a state resiliency reference guide for assessing vulnerabilities, evaluating opportunities for nature based infrastructure solutions, and encouraging implementation of nature based infrastructure through sound science and policy decisions.