Mission-aransas nerr infrastructure capacity-building project description the national oceanic and atmospheric administration (NOAA) is providing $600,000 in federal funding to the university of texas…

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has awarded a $600,000 Cooperative Agreement to the University of Texas Marine Science Institute under the Office for Coastal Management (CFDA 11.473) program. This funding will build the capacity of the Mission-Aransas National Estuarine Research Reserve (NERR) to support the planning of conservation and restoration projects through the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law. Specifically, the grant will fund a full-time Restoration Specialist position and support an identified project within the NERR boundaries focused on building capacity for habitat restoration and conservation. The Restoration Specialist will help the Mission-Aransas NERR identify partnerships and collaborations for restoration and conservation initiatives. Additionally, the University of Texas at Austin has issued a $194,000 sub-award to the Coastal Bend Bays & Estuaries Program, Inc. to assist with the capacity-building efforts under this Cooperative Agreement.

Mission-aransas nerr infrastructure capacity-building project description the national oceanic and atmospheric administration (NOAA) is providing $600,000 in federal funding to the university of texas marine science institute through the bipartisan infrastructure law. This funding will build the capacity of the mission-aransas national estuarine research reserve (nerr) within the university of texas marine science institute to support the planning of conservation and restoration projects through the bipartisan infrastructure law. Specifically, the mission-aransas nerr will utilize these funds to continue to support a full-time restoration specialist and their needs, as well as support an identified project(s) within the reserve boundaries that focuses on building capacity for restoration and conservation. The restoration specialist position increases mission-aransas nerrs ability to plan for and implement habitat restoration and conservation projects and programming within the mission-aransas nerr. This person has been key in identifying and developing partnerships and collaborations focused on habitat restoration and conservation projects within or surrounding the mission-aransas nerr.