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

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration awarded a $10.456 million cooperative agreement to the Illinois Department of Natural Resources on October 1, 2025, under the Coastal Zone Management Administration Awards program (CFDA 11.419) to administer Illinois's federally approved coastal management program.

The award funds implementation of the Illinois Coastal Management Program addressing coastal hazards, economic development, recreation, habitat conservation, water quality, and public access along the state's Great Lakes coast. Specific deliverables include continuation of the Coastal Clean Waters Program, enhancement of recreational opportunities, shoreline erosion monitoring throughout the coastal zone, technical assistance, planning, and government coordination. The funding leverages over $2.614 million in state, local, and private matching funds.

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources operates as the child entity under the State of Illinois, operating through the Illinois Office of the Governor. Performance occurs in Chicago, Illinois, with a period of performance extending through September 30, 2027. The Coastal Zone Management Administration Awards program supports projects that maintain or improve environmental quality while enabling economic growth, with 80 to 90 percent of appropriated funds allocated to coastal states through a formula based on coastal population and shoreline mileage.

The national oceanic and atmospheric administration (NOAA) is providing ongoing funding through the national coastal zone management program to the state of illinois 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 over $ 2,614,000 is leveraging over $2,614,000 in state, local, and private funds. These funds will support jobs and provide assistance to the illinois coastal management program to address many important coastal issues in the state including coastal hazards, economic development, recreation, habitat conservation, water quality, and public access. For example, several projects will continue implementation of the coastal clean waters program, enhancing recreational opportunities, and monitoring shoreline erosion throughout the coastal zone. The funding also supports ongoing technical assistance, planning, and government coordination. Overall, this work will continue the protection and enhancement of the environmental, economic, and social value of illinois great lakes coast.