NOAA AWARDS $555,000 TO ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES

NOAA AWARDS $555,000 TO
ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF CONSERVATION AND NATURAL RESOURCES

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is awarding a grant of $555,000 to the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. NOAA is an agency of the Commerce Department.

The funds will operate and manage the Weeks Bay National Estuarine Research Reserve. The award will enhance public education and coastal training program, as well as the efficiency and productivity at the reserve.

“NOAA and the Bush Administration are working to improve the understanding of our environment and to strengthen local and regional initiatives, such as those at the Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources,” said retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., under secretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “This grant for Weeks Bay will improve the effectiveness of the conservation efforts at the National Estuarine Research Reserve, which will have an impact on all surrounding areas.”

Each year, NOAA awards approximately $900 million in grants 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.