DESCRIPTION:THIS ACTION APPROVES AN AWARD IN THE AMOUNT OF $80,500 TO THE TENNESSEE DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND CONSERVATION TO CARRY OUT ITS PROGRAM TO MAINTAIN, PROTECT, AND IMPROVE THE WATER QUALITY OF ITS RIVERS, LAKES, STREAMS, GROUNDWATER, AND OTHER WATERBODIES. THE ENVIRONMENTAL BENEFITS OF THIS PROGRAM INCLUDE PREVENTING DEGRADATION OF UNIMPAIRED WATERBODIES AND REDUCING THE NUMBER OF IMPAIRED WATERBODIES IN THE STATE. ACTIVITIES:ACTIVITIES INCLUDE DEVELOPING A QUALITY ASSURANCE PROJECT PLAN, FIELD SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS, AND CONDUCTING ALL FIELD SAMPLING AND LABORATORY ANALYSES. FIELD WORK FOR NATIONAL COASTAL CONDITION ASSESSMENT WILL TAKE PLACE IN THE SUMMER OF 2026. SUBRECIPIENT:UNIVERSITY OF TENNESSEE CHATTANOOGA HERBARIUM FOR ASSISTANCE WITH BOTANICAL FIELDWORK AND SPECIMEN PROCESSING.OUTCOMES:THE ANTICIPATED DELIVERABLES AND EXPECTED OUTCOME INCLUDE DEVELOPING A QUALITY ASSURANCE PROJECT PLAN, ENSURING CLEAN AND SAFE WATER FOR ALL COMMUNITIES, AND IMPROVING AND MAINTAINING THE QUALITY OF WATER THROUGH PARTICIPATION IN THE NATIONAL AQUATICS RESOURCE SURVEY THROUGH WATER MONITORING AND LABORATORY ANALYSIS. INTENDED BENEFICIARIES ARE RESIDENTS OF TENNESSEE. SUBAWARDS WILL GO TO THE