OH CMP infrastructure capacity-building project description the national oceanic and atmospheric administration (NOAA) is providing $900,00 in federal funding over the next three years to the state of…

OH CMP infrastructure capacity-building project description the national oceanic and atmospheric administration (NOAA) is providing $900,00 in federal funding over the next three years to the state of ohio through the bipartisan infrastructure law. This funding will build the capacity of thestates federally approved coastal management program within the ohio department of natural resources (ODNR) to plan for and implement habitat restoration and conservation projects proposed through funding opportunities connected to the bipartisan infrastructure law. Specifically, the ohio coastal management program (OCMP) will develop a map-based decision support tool that will identify priority areas the implementation of nature-based shoreline projects to restore critical lake erie coastal habitats and ecosystems. The capacity building funds will be used to contract with a consulting firm with expertise in nature-based shorelines, lake erie coastal resources, and the development of map-based decision support tools. OCMP will partner with the black swamp conservancy (BSC) who has demonstrated expertise in land conservation/land acquisition activities within the ohio lake erie watershed, specifically the western lake erie basin (WLEB). The ohio coastal management program will use capacity building funds primarily to support BSC partner activities to identify, develop, and prioritize potential future projects in the WLEB. The ohio coastal management program will enhance internal capacity to identify and develop infrastructure investment and jobs act habitat restoration and conservation project proposals, apply for infrastructure funding, manage awarded grants, and collaborate with external staff and entities to plan for and implement projects that support the goals and management policies of the federally approved ohio coastal management program.