“Last week, Congresswoman Maria Elvira Salazar (R-FL) and I introduced the bi-partisan Don Young Restoration Grants for Coastlines and Fisheries Act, which would authorize $10 billion over the next 10 fiscal years for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) to implement projects that restore and protect coastline economies in the U.S., including projects that employ fishermen in the U.S., [such as] projects to remove marine debris (including derelict vessels and abandoned, lost and discarded fishing gear), bolster ecological infrastructure and marine fisheries, and increase U.S. coastal resiliency and adaptation to climate change are all important to protecting our coastline communities.
“In the 117th Congress, I introduced the Shovel-Ready Restoration Grants for Coastlines and Fisheries Act with the late Congressman Don Young of Alaska, who was a key advocate of the provisions in this bill. Given his strong support, the bill in the 118th Congress is titled the Don Young Restoration Grants for Coastlines and Fisheries Act of 2023.
“During the last major recession, the 2009 American Recovery and Reinvestment Act (ARRA) provided $167 million through NOAA for coastal resilience projects that created jobs. At the time, however, NOAA received more than $3 billion in proposals for eligible projects. The ARRA grants were highly successful, making significant strides in coastal and marine restoration and stimulating coastline economies. The program created 17 new Americans jobs for every million dollars spent and generated $15 dollars in net economic benefits for every dollar invested.
“The Don Young Restoration Grants for Coastlines and Fisheries Act mirrors and expands the 2009 program for NOAA to carry out shovel-ready projects that restore or improve coastal habitats, resiliency, and economies.
“We must do more to protect our coastlines, improve fisheries, and restore our coral reefs,” said Congresswoman Salazar. “I am honored to join Congresswoman Plaskett in introducing the Don Young Restoration Grants for Coastlines and Fisheries Act, named after a true House titan who vigorously defended fisheries and coastlines.”
“I am thankful for the support of Congresswoman Salazar and additional lead co-sponsors Congresswomen Mary Sattler Peltola (D-AK) and Jenniffer González-Colón (R-PR). I urge my colleagues to join me this Congress to pursue supporting coastal resilience projects to remove marine debris, bolster ecological infrastructure and marine fisheries, and increase U.S. coastal resiliency.
“This program would provide important investments to our coastal communities and the resources needed to protect our shorelines.”
Editor’s note: Stacey E. Plaskett is the delegate to Congress representing the U.S. Virgin Islands.
