Press Releases

PRESS STATEMENT

CONGRESSWOMAN STACEY PLASKETT ANNOUNCES $1,000,000 GRANT FOR THE NATIONAL COASTAL ZONE MANAGEMENT PROGRAM TO THE TERRITORY OF THE US VIRGIN ISLANDS

 Washington, D.C. – Congresswoman Stacey E. Plaskett (USVI), released the following statement regarding a $1,000.000 grant awarded through the National Coastal Zone Management Program to the Territory of the US Virgin Islands:

“Today the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) is providing a $1,000,000 grant through the National Coastal Zone Management Program to the Territory of the US Virgin Islands to help administer the territories federally approved coastal management program.  The National Coastal Zone Management Program, under the Coastal Zone Management Act, is an important voluntary federal-state partnership that protects, restores, and responsibly develops our nation's coastal communities and resources by balancing economic development, coastal uses, and natural resource protection. 

“NOAA is investing $1,022,000 to these efforts and actions. These funds will support jobs and provide continued assistance to the US Virgin Islands coastal management program to address many important coastal issues in the territory including coastal development, watershed management, land based sources of pollution, shoreline erosion, improving public access and tackling marine debris. The funding will improve the management of wetlands through policy development. The funding will also help the territory to improve its capabilities in helping communities respond to and prepare for coastal hazards.

“This grant will benefit the Virgin Islands tremendously with our ongoing rebuilding efforts making the Virgin Islands whole again after experiencing two devastating hurricanes. The United States government and the international community has an obligation to help in the reestablishment of our islands. The grant award is a vital component of that concern.”

###