Nicholls state university earmark project description the national oceanic and atmospheric administration (NOAA) is providing $4,500,000 in federal funding to nicholls state university in thibodaux,…

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) awarded Nicholls State University $4.5 million under the Congressionally Identified Awards and Projects program (CFDA 11.469) on April 1, 2025, for the Coastal Research Center project. The award will support two complementary initiatives: outfitting an existing coastal center with laboratory equipment, technology, and furnishings to enable environmental analyses of the Atchafalaya and Terrebonne basins, and designing and constructing a new Coastal Operation for Advanced Science, Technology, and Engineering Research (COASTER) Center. The funding supports comprehensive design and engineering planning, construction activities, and procurement of laboratory equipment and furnishings for the new facility.

The two-year project, scheduled for completion by March 31, 2027, will enhance Nicholls State University's capacity to conduct marine and environmental science research in coastal Louisiana. The COASTER Center represents substantial infrastructure development aligned with NOAA's mission to advance marine science research, education, and environmental conservation. By improving both existing and new research facilities, this award will support the university's ongoing efforts in coastal resilience, ecosystem monitoring, and scientific research addressing critical environmental challenges in the Gulf Coast region.

Nicholls state university earmark project description the national oceanic and atmospheric administration (NOAA) is providing $4,500,000 in federal funding to nicholls state university in thibodaux, louisiana for a project titled coastal research center. Specifically, nicholls state will use these funds to outfit their existing coastal center space and fund the design and construction of the new coastal operation for advanced science, technology, and engineering research (coaster) center. Funds for the existing coastal center will go towards lab equipment, technology, and furnishings for the center, allowing the university to conduct environmental analyses of the surrounding atchafalaya and terrebonne basins. Funds for the new coaster center will be used to complete the comprehensive design and engineering plans for the center, fund the construction of the center, and enable the procurement of lab equipment and furnishings.