NOAA AWARDS $2.7 MILLION IN COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT
AND ATMOSPHERIC RESEARCH GRANTS TO NEW HAMPSHIRE

The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is awarding a grant totaling $1,398,000 to the New Hampshire Office of State Planning for coastal zone management, and a $1,390,400 grant to the University of New Hampshire for atmospheric research. NOAA is an agency of the Department of Commerce.

“We are constantly working to improve the understanding of our environment and to strengthen local and regional research and management initiatives in the coastal zone and the atmosphere,” said retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “These grants help advance knowledge by actively supporting efforts that reinforce NOAA’s commitment to New Hampshire’s environment.”

“New Hampshire takes great pride in our record of environmental stewardship, and an important part of that record is found in UNH's active role in the development of technology to further the understanding of our earth's atmosphere,” said Senator Sununu. “NOAA resources will reinforce this work, which helps to protect our coastline from pollution and preserve public access for current and future generations.”

The New Hampshire Office of State Planning will use the funds to assist the state in continuing the implementation of its approved coastal zone management program. Through this grant the state will also pass through funds for local government project assistance. New Hampshire’s coastal zone management program balances the preservation of natural resources of the coast with the social and economic needs of this and succeeding generations.

The grant to the University of New Hampshire will fund a proposal to meet the demand for in-situ atmospheric observations, which provide detailed characterization of physical and chemical properties of the Earth’s atmosphere. The university will help develop a low-cost, well-instrumented autonomous platform for detailed characterization of physical and chemical properties of the Earth’s atmosphere.

New Hampshire’s coastal zone management program focuses on five main goals which are to prevent and abate coastal pollution, provide for public access to coastal lands and waters, foster community stewardship and awareness of coastal resources, protect and restore coastal natural resources and encourage a viable economy with adequate infrastructure.

NOAA’s Coastal Zone 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 program is authorized by the Coastal Zone Management Act of 1972 and administered at the federal level by the Coastal Programs Division within NOAA.

In fiscal year 2003, NOAA has awarded more than 475 grants totaling $204.2 million to members of the academic, scientific and business communities to assist the agency fulfill its mission which is 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 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.