The National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration announced a grant of $1,966,092 to the University of New Orleans to support activities and studies conducted by several universities to restore the Pontchartrain Basin. NOAA is an agency of the U.S. Department of Commerce.

The grant provides support for projects and studies conducted by the University of New Orleans, Louisiana State University, Tulane University and Southeastern Louisiana University. Funded research projects include investigating water quality, critical habitats, and biological resources, focusing on assessment of current conditions in Lake Pontchartrain, and evaluating methods for reducing the contaminant load entering the lake. The grant will also fund geographic analyses to assist in the prioritization of restoration activities and outreach projects that train area teachers in the development of environmental education curricula.

“This funding to the University of New Orleans allows NOAA to directly contribute to the enhancement and protection of local resources such as in the Pontchartrain basin, which is vital to its surrounding communities,” said retired Navy Vice Adm. Conrad C. Lautenbacher, Ph.D., undersecretary of commerce for oceans and atmosphere and NOAA administrator. “This grant allows the local universities to work together to restore, protect and improve valuable habitat resources while actively supporting efforts that reinforce NOAA and the Bush Administration’s commitment to the environment.”

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 34 years.

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.