NOAA GRANT OF NEARLY $2 MILLION TO PORTSMOUTH WILL HELP PROTECT LAND

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) has awarded a grant of more than $1.9 million to Portsmouth, N.H., so the city can purchase and protect the Sagamore Creek Headlands. NOAA is an agency of the Department of Commerce.

This acquisition will be made for New Hampshire’s Coastal Program as part of the Coastal Management Program. New Hampshire’s Coastal Program’s mission is to balance the preservation of natural resources of the coast with the social and economic needs of this and succeeding generations.

"The City Of Portsmouth has worked diligently with local and federal officials to secure NOAA funding for this valuable project. With these resources, the Sagamore Creek Headlands will be protected for the utilization and enjoyment of current and future generations," said Senator John Sununu.

"This funding represents a continued commitment on the part of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Association and the city of Portsmouth to preserve New Hampshire's coastal resources and open spaces and provide more permanent public waterfront access. These funds will ensure that Sagamore Creek Headlands' natural beauty and scenic views will remain in tact for future generations to enjoy," said First District Congressman Jeb Bradley.

“We are constantly working to improve the understanding of our environment and to strengthen local initiatives like New Hampshire’s Coastal Management Program,” said retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “These grants allow states to manage their coastal resources while actively supporting efforts that reinforce NOAA and the Bush Administration’s commitment to the environment.”

NOAA’s Coastal Management Program is a federal-state partnership dedicated to comprehensive management of the nation’s coastal resources, ensuring their protection for future generations while balancing competing national economic, cultural and environmental interests. The Coastal Zone Management Program (CZMP) is authorized by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 and administered at the federal level by the Coastal Programs Division (CPD) within NOAA.

In fiscal year 2003, NOAA has awarded more than 475 grants totaling more than $204 million to members of the academic, scientific and business communities to assist the agency in fulfilling its mission to study the Earth’s natural systems in order to predict environmental change, manage ocean resources, protect life and property, and provide decision makers with reliable scientific information. NOAA goals and programs reflect a commitment to these basic responsibilities of science and service to the nation for the past 33 years.

The Commerce Department’s National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is dedicated to enhancing economic security and national safety through the prediction and research of weather and climate-related events and providing environmental stewardship of our nation’s coastal and marine resources. To learn more about NOAA, please visit http://www.noaa.gov.