Seven coastal states and 150 local jurisdictions are slated to receive almost $150 million from the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration. NOAA's National Ocean Service, an agency of the Commerce Department, will begin distributing the funds to Alabama, Alaska, California, Florida, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas, as well as to approximately 150 local governments to help mitigate the impacts of oil and gas development off their coasts.

"Our coastal resources are vital to the economy and environment," said Margaret Davidson acting assistant administrator for NOS. "The National Ocean Service, as the nation's principal advocate for coastal and ocean stewardship, is very pleased to administer these funds for the first time this year. "These funds will go a long way toward enhancing, protecting, and restoring our precious coasts."

NOAA in cooperation with the Minerals Management Service, developed funding
allocations for the seven states and localities, according to legislative formulas based on coastal population, shoreline milage, Outer Continental Shelf revenues, and distance from OCS lease tracts to state or county boundaries.

In order to receive the funds, eligible coastal states must develop plans
detailing how the funds will be used. The plans must be submitted to NOAA by July 1, 2001 for review and approval.